Obituary of Deborah Ann Stead

Deborah Ann Stead (nee MacIver)

Deborah left this world on her own terms, surrounded by the love of her family, on February 20, 2024 at the Perth Hospital. She leaves behind her loving and devoted husband of 46 years, Rodger Stead; children Erin (Scott Rispin), Adam (Josianne) and Cassie; and her adored granddaughters Finley and Emerson, who were her absolute pride and joy.

Deborah was the eldest sister to siblings Will (Cheryl) MacIver, Dan (Alicia) MacIver, Wendy (Joe) Ruggeri, Tammy MacIver (Stew Gillespie); daughter-in-law to Jessie Williams (nee Stead) and head sister-in-law to Dwight Stead (Marilyn Slater), Jane (Dave) Malboeuf, Jeffery Stead (Bonnie Dowdall), and Diane Stead (Vic Gillam). She will be fondly remembered by her godchildren Jon, Katie, Jamie, and Hannah and dearly missed by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, great neices and great nephews and their extended families.

Deborah believed that family isn’t always defined by blood, but rather by love. Deb will be lovingly remembered by her dear friends that became family; Kim, Rick and Korina, Karen and Luc, Katrina, Paige and Haliey, Irene, and of course her beloved Auntie M (Marie Masson). 

Deborah was predeceased by her parents Edmund “Red” and Margaret MacIver (nee Sherk), as well as by her brother-in-law Myles Stead, and nephew Luke MacIver. 

Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of the doctors, nurses, and support staff at the Smiths Falls & Perth Hospitals, as well as at the Ottawa Hospital Oncology, Hematology and Rehabilitation centres, and the Kingston General. We would especially like to thank Dr. Sabloff and Dr. Santos who took exceptional care of Deborah during her nearly 20 year valiant fight with leukemia.

A celebration of life will be held at the Blair & Son Funeral Home (112 Beckwith St N) on Saturday September 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that charitable donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, Threads of Life, The Alzheimer Society of Canada or to the Red Cross in Deb's honour.

"Life is not measured in the breaths that we take, but in the moments that take your breath away."