Debbie Martens

Obituary

It is with deep sadness we announce, after a life-long battle with health issues, the passing of our dearest Debbie.

Debbie was predeceased by her Grandma and Grandpa, and Memere.

Debbie is survived by her children, Clayton, Jade (Axle), grandchildren Isidore and Ambrose, mother and father, Frank and Lucienne, and siblings, Karl, Sharon, and Vicki.

On a cold April 24, 1968, Debbie came along to brighten our world. She grew up in Grand Rapids dreaming of becoming a doctor to help everyone. Not long into her young journey, she was diagnosed with leukemia and moved to Kleefeld, Manitoba, where Debbie dedicated herself to bringing hope to the hopeless, being a friend to the shy, and championing lost causes. Then her adventures began, first going to college, then traveling west to seek her fortune!

Shortly after she returned to Manitoba, she started a family and Clayton and Jade brought joy to her life!

As the children grew up, Debbie continued her self-appointed mission to save the less fortunate! On two occasions, she travelled to Africa, embracing the unfamiliar with courage and faith. As with everything in her life, she trusted God to take care of the little things while she went about saving the world in her own way. And it was her will and His way that drove her and carried her through all the battles she faced!

On her last day, Debbie’s Grandma, one of her many guardian angels, came to collect her and free her from suffering, Thursday January 15, 2026, just shy of her 58th birthday.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday January 25, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel,162 PTH 52 West, Steinbach, Manitoba, to celebrate a precious life, one filled with examples of strength that we can all lean on and learn from in our troubled times.

A heartfelt thank you to the caregivers at the Ste. Anne Hospital, Selkirk Hospital and Red River Place for their unfailing kindness during Debbie’s last battle.