
WENTZELL – Debra S., 66, of Milton, Queens County, passed away suddenly in South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater on Saturday, December 28, 2019.
Born in Liverpool, Debra was a daughter of the late Peter and Alma (Conrad) Francis
Debra, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, touched the hearts of each and every person she met and left a lasting imprint on our lives. From the spring time, when she looked forward to when her gardens first began to bloom, to family reunions, get togethers, visits and calls with her brothers and sisters and extended family, to the holiday season, sharing laughter, cooking and baking, she captured each precious moment. Strong in her faith, she had a heart of gold, that could not be measured in size, and every person in her life was considered family. She was a giving person, and thought of others before herself, always helping others as it brought her great joy. Debra worked for Wa-Su-Wek Limited for a number of years and also served on the Board of Directors. She proudly served Acadia First Nation as a councillor for 25 years with a deep love and respect for her community. She lived for her grandkids Kristen, Kale and Emily, and loved sharing in the many joys of their lives. In her recent years, she looked forward to daily visits with her daughter Avis and evenings watching movies with her son Peter. Her heart was full of love for us all. Although she is no longer an angel here on earth that touched us all in some way, she is an angel now in heaven looking upon us. For those of us that were blessed to have Debra in our lives, we were honoured for the time that we had with her.
Debra is survived by her daughter Avis (Jack) Johnson of Milton, her son Peter Smith (Cathy Swansburg) of Milton; her grandchildren Kale Johnson, Kristen Smith and Emily Swansburg. Her sisters Judy Boutilier (David Dobson) of Port Medway, Helena Keans (Walter Bond), Angela Francis and Joan (Edward) Labrador, all of Liverpool, Marilyn (Willard) Bauman of ON. Her brothers Barry (Bonnie) of Greenfield and Mike (Karen) of Milton.
Besides her parents, Debra was predeceased by her husband Earl, her sisters Shirley and Barbara Mooers and her brothers Steve and Edward.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral home, Liverpool. Funeral mass will be held Friday, January 3, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Liverpool, NS. Father Pat O’Meara officiating. Reception to follow in the Milton hall. No flowers by request. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Wentzell; Debra Sharon

Judith R. Maillett
To Deb’s family, God called her home to be an Angel as she was on Earth,to continue to watch over all those she loved. She will be missed.
Nancy and Lennie
Dear Avis, Jack and Kale
Lennie and I were very sorry to hear of your loss. May your fondest memories bring you comfort.
Donna Wamboldt
My sincere condolences to Debra’s family. I always loved serving her at both Dr. Thornes office as receptionist and most recently circle k. She was such a kind lady. Rest easy my friend
Rick Henneberry
So sorry to hear this, my Condolences.
Belinda Wentzell Delong
My condolences to all of Debbie’s Family.Whenever we met up we would have a chat. R.I.P.Debbie.
Genny Lowe
So sorry for your loss. Debbie was great person and loved by all.
Genny, Gary and Hattie Lowe
Virginia Whynot
To All of Deb’s Family.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are so right, Deb was a great person. Many laughs we had together. She always called me ” Miss Virginia” . You will miss her dearly. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Frank and Jane Croft
I was so saddened and shocked to hear of Debbie’s passing. It was such a pleasure to work with her for so many years. Always there and ready to help anyone she could. Debbie was a beautiful person. You can say she had a heart of gold. My deepest Sympathy to Avis and Peter and her family. Flying high with the Angel’s. Rest In Peace my friend❤
Pam whalen
Avis Peter and families so sorry to hear about your mom she was a great person always there for everyone please except our sincere condolences Rest In Peace Debbie
Wendy LeJeune
Dear Avis, Jack and Kale. No words can convey how sorry I am….nothing compares, but she will remain with you always. I will always remember our chats.
If there is anything I can do, I am here.
Huggs
Dear Judy and family. My deepest Condolences for your loss. Huggs
Marion and Paul.
So sorry for your loss. She will be missed by many.
Tammy, Richard & Andrew Croft
Avis, Peter, grandkids & families
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of a great wonderful caring friend. Debbie sure did have a heart of gold. She was certainly the BEST councilor that acadian first nation ever had!
Diana&Danny Hirtle
Sending our condolences to all of Debbies family . She was a special lady who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her . Heaven just gained another special angel. May she Rest In Peace .
Stephen and Marilyn Anthony
Sorry for your loss
Denise
Aunt Deb,
I will forever miss the sound of your voice.
You had a calming way of speaking that always got my attention.
Although I live far away from Nova Scotia and didn’t get to see you very often, I did enjoy keeping in touch on Facebook. Your posts were always uplifting and proof of your loving and caring spirit.
I’ll also miss seeing your posts ALL IN CAPS, something that always made me snicker. It always got my attention 🙂
To Debs family: May your hearts be light with the knowing that she has been reunited with all of our ancestors. What a joyous thought. She is an inspiration to us all to remember to always spread love and share gratitude.
Much love,
Denise Bauman
Clarke & Linda Rafuse
To Debbie’s family,
Was very saddened to hear of Debbie’s passing. She was a sweet and kind person. Sending you our sincere condolences.
Clarke & Linda Rafuse
Sylvia & Mike Langille
Bonnie, Barry and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Take care and God Bless!
Craig Roy
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing, Avis, and Peter.
I’m thinking about you both and wishing you moments of peace and comfort while you celebrate your mother’s wonderful life.
Should there be anything I can do please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Lots of love, Craig
Robin Sperry
To the family I am deeply sorry for your loss .Debbie was a wonderful person and always took the time to say hello.she will be .missed by many .
Gordon Eisnor
Avis and family:Shocked to hear of your mothers passing.My sincere condolences to all Debra’s family.
Judy Hyson
I’m so sorry to hear of Debra’s passing.My condolences to her family. May she RIP.
Brian Purdy
It is with deep sadness that we pass on our sincere condolences,to the family. Debbie was a wonderful person, as was the whole family.We always felt welcome at Peter’s and Alma’s and we were treated like family. The country Music keep us to gather all these years . Brian and Bev
Louann and Mike
To Avis and Peter as well as Debbies brothers and sister, we are so sorry for your loss. God Blees you all.
Melissa
Thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.RIP debbie
Bonita Labrador
To Debbie’s Family
We are so sorry and shocked to hear of Debbie’s passing. Please know that we are thinking of you all. Such a huge loss for the family and community. She will be missed dearly.
Bonnie Labrador & Jerry Mansfield
Cathy Smith
Yes I feel that I have lost a great friend, we shared many talks on the rocks….My thoughts and prayers to all of you…her greatest joys….
Cathy
Todd and Lori Labrador
Sending our condolences to Avis , Peter …..her family and friends. Debbie was a wonderful person loved by many and will be missed.
Paul and Gloria Whynot
We were so sorry to hear about Debbie. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Steven and Brenda Kennedy
Dear Avis and family, and Peter and family. From the very bottom of our hearts we were so saddened to hear of Deb’s passing. This beautiful soul has left an imprint on all of our lives. Debra will be at the right seat by God, because she is one of the sweetest angels that has ever been sent to earth. We will miss this lady so much and I am sure so will everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her. May God bless you and be with you all at this time……We will honor her memory and celebrate her life, as this is what she would want .
Love :Steven and Brenda Kennedy
Melody Weagle
Sincere condolences to Debbie’s family. She was a beautiful lady who will be missed by many. Sending you all love and hugs.
Linda Baron Dunham
My deepest sympathy to you Avis , Peter and families. Your Mom was a treasured friend of mine for years and we spent many hours together both at work and during training. We were friends for several years. Debra was definitely a very caring lady and will be missed .
Cathy Swansburg
To Avis, Jack, Kale and Peter We are so sorry for your loss. There is nothing like losing your mom.We loved her so much and loved spending time with her when we could especially on the holidays. She was definitely an angel to us and will be missed dearly. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Cathy, Kristen and Emily.
Angie Mooers
My deepest sympathies to Avis and Peter and your families. Debbie was an amazing woman and will be greatly missed. You will be in my thoughts.
Sally (Lake) Belding
Condolences to the family..Debbie and I went to school together in Milton, she was one of my best friends in school. Whenever I saw her on the street she and I would catch up on the news in our lives..God bless her family and may she Rest In Peace.
Charlene Hanf
My condolences to all the family.
Barbara (Stevens) Burns
Dear Judy,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this sad time.
Shannon Jermey
Avis, Peter, and Family- sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Debbie cared greatly for everyone and please take comfort in all the compassion and love that she had for her community. She always had time for a hello and a chat <3
Annette White
To Debbie’s family, sending my heartfelt condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.
Roxena MacEachern
So sorry to hear of your loss it’s always sad to lose a loved one my deepest sympathy to Debbies children and family
Kelley and Blair
Saddened to hear of this. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. ❤️
Susan Linda Levy
Sending sincere sympathy to all of Deb’s family. Some people leave such an impression on our hearts and we are never the same for it. In this way we are lucky, even as we mourn such a sad loss.
Alta Mason
Barry, Bonnie and all Debra’s family. My heart goes out to all of you on the loss of Debra. She was an angel on Earth and now is an angel on God’s great Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Keep all those wonderful memories close as you travel this difficult road.
Peggy Payzant
To The Family Of Debra,
Francis & I Would Like To Send Our Deepest Condolences To All Of Debra’s Family. I’ve Waited On Debra At Sobeys A Good Many Years And Always Enjoyed Our Chats. Please Except My Heartfelt Condolences, Debra Will Be Missed By Many Who Knew her. Rest In Peace Debra You Certainly Have Earned Your Wings. And May God Bless The Family.
Sincerely
Peggy Payzant( Nee Freeman)
Wendy Barclay
So sorry to hear about your mom Avis.My condolences to you and your family.
Valda Walsh
My condolences to the family and all Debbie’s friends. I knew her through the church for many years. Her faith was indeed strong and her journey has her now resting with our precious Lord. May she Rest In Peace.
Anne Marie Hudson
Peter and Avis,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a very sweet lady and will be missed by many. My thoughts are with you and your families.
Sonya Isaac
Sending my sincere condolences to all of the family. My heart and prayers are with you all.
Rhonda and Danny
My condolences to all the family, sorry for you loss
Yolanda
Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Codey francis
We will all love and miss you aunt Debby you were such a kind and compassionate person.
Diane and Donald White
Sending our sincere condolences to all Debbie’s family and friends , so sorry for your loss .
Kathy and Chubby Veinot
Dear Bonnie and Barry
Another one of life’s curves has been sent your way. You are a strong family unit and will weather this together, not easily but together. The sorrow you feel in your heart will lessen if you are open and sharing with each other. Remember to laugh as you think of the good times. Grief and sorrow have a way of making us look back and remember things and see them in a different context, what was little now will hold a special place in your heart. Over the next few days use each other as a support system and remember the love and laughter Debbie had in her heart for each and everyone of you.
Love you guys Chubby and Kathy
Peggyand Richard Hatt
Richard and I would like to send out deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear mother and sister . Deb was one in a million .Take comfort in knowing how much she was loved by all who knew her .
Sincerely Peggy and Richard Hatt
Murray Robinson
To Debs family
Deb was one of the most caring and nicest ladies I ever had the pleasure to meet . I haven’t spoke with her in sometime now , was actually just thinking of her yesterday and woke by reading this sad news .Sending my sincere condolences to Her children Avis, Peter and the rest of her family , relatives and friends. Rest In Peace Debbie
Eldrige/phyllis whynot&family
So sorry to hear of deb’s passing our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Al and Jeannita Francis
To Debbie,s family ,brothers and sisters our thoughts are with you all.Hope you find the strong faith that she had to get you through these difficult times..
Debbie/Gene Wamboldt
Avis, Peter and Families
We are so sorry for your loss.May you know that you are in our prayers and thoughts
Cathy and Randy Conrad and family
To the Family
So sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. She was there for many people whether they were family or not to her they were family. Share your laughter, tears and memories it is her legacy that she has left you with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
Criag & Tracey Oickle
Dear Avis and all Debbie’s family,
“Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories.”
Author Unknown
Keep those wonderful memories close in the difficult days ahead.
Thinking of you.
Debbie & Maynard Carrier
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Debbie . We will always love you . May you rest in pease my dear . RiP. You will always be in mine and maynards heart . Thinking about the Family .
Ernest"LIn" Crouse
This is a shock to us, we both loved Debbie and will miss her very much. LIn and Grace Crouse
David & Judy Whynott of mersey point
To all of Debora’s family we send your condolences.bless you all at this sad time.
Dennis & Sherri Harrington
To all the family,
We are so very sorry for your sudden loss, she will be missed by all who knew her, take care❤️
Irving Whynot
Sorry for your loss .R.I.P.
Helen & David Fox
So sorry for your loss.Please except our condolences.
Kathy Davis
To all Debbie family, my condolences for your loss your in my thoughts and prayers
Jordan and Bella Oickle
To all of Debra’s family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in Peace Debra
wanda finigan
Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family. I worked with Deb many many years ago in Liverpool.
Lynn Rafuse
Judy,Sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing.My condolences to you and all of her family.She spoke so fondly of all of them.
Kim Risser
Dear Avis, Jack, Kale and Family,
I am so sorry to read of Debra’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. Debra was a very
long term customer and friend of mine at my little store on the corner. Her patronage was appreciated.
Many a small chat and laugh.
Treasure your memories. Rest in Peace Debra.
Sincerely,
Kim
Betty Meisner (Greta's sister)
Avis Jack and family
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing
Sending my ccondolences to you all
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
Our condolences to all Debra’s family, she was a great lady and I loved talking to her. She will be missed.
Thinking of you all with prayers.
Heather Whalen
So sorry to hear about your Mom.She was and always be a beautiful Angel to those people whose lives she touched.The memories we have of her will always be held close to our hearts.Love you all❤️❤️
Kim Davis
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this sad and difficult time.
Kim, Sadie & Harrison
Pam and Wayne Westhaver
So very sorry for your loss , our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Carla Powell
I’m so sad to hear of Debbie’s passing. I always loved to see her coming because I knew by the end of her visit I would be laughing. We talked about many things over the years, but the consistent theme that always bubbled to the top was her unshakable love for her family. She got pure joy from simple things…and from just being with family. We spend many hours with a kleenex box between us because her heart (and often mine) were overflowing with emotion. It was easy to talk to Debbie — a true people person.
She will be missed. Condolences to all.
Wendy
To Debra’s family, we were very sad to hear of Debra’s passing. She was a sweet and caring person and will be missed.
Lloyd and Wendy Borden
Anne Cameron
Im so sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. Such a wonderful peeson. My sincere condolences to all of her family and friends.
Jeanette Nickerson
My deepest condolences to her family, may she rest in sweet peace
VINA MOSES
I WAS VERY SADDENED TO HEAR THE NEWS OF DEBRA’S DEATH. ENJOYED OUR CONVERSATIONS OVER THE YEARS. CONDOLENCES TO AVIS AND THE REST OF HER FAMILY AND TO HER FRIENDS.