Mrs. Debbie Irwin, age 56 years, passed away peacefully in hospital with family by her side on Sunday, July 8, 2007.

Debbie was born in Fort William, Ontario on May 30, 1951 and raised in Slate River. She married Dan Irwin, Sr. in 1969 and together they raised two sons in South Gillies. Debbie enjoyed spending time with family and friends especially her grandchildren who meant the world to her. She was very proud of her sons and thrilled with the arrival of a granddaughter in the family. She also had a love for all animals but was partial to her 2 dogs, Sassi and Pebbles.

Debbie was a hard worker who took great pride in what she did. She began her working life as a hairdresser moving on to driving cement trucks before settling as a school bus driver with Laidlaw for many years. She also worked part time at Everest Waverley and Westfort Chapels until recent ill health. She will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.

Debbie is survived by her husband Dan of 38 years; sons Dan Jr. (Rachel) and Tom (Coralie); grandchildren Dillon, Jakob, Hunter, Gavin and Paige; mother Sophie Prystanski and brother Ted (Lisa) Prystanski.

Predeceased by her father Fred Prystanski, brother Roger and granddaughter Emma-Leigh.

Funeral services for the late Mrs. Debbie Irwin will be held on Friday, July 13, 2007 at 1:00 PM in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore St. at James with Rev. Joyce Hannaford officiating. Interment to follow at a later date. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service time.

Should friends so desire, donations to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation or Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre would be greatly appreciated.

Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com