Obituary of DEBORAH MAE THIBODEAU

Deborah Mae Thibodeau (Hendry)

Deborah Mae Thibodeau (Hendry) passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, at Grace Hospice in Winnipeg, surrounded by the love of those closest to her and the kindness of her caregivers.  Born on March 16, 1955 at Grace Hospital, there is a quiet symmetry in the fact that her life both began and ended in the same place.

Raised in Selkirk, Manitoba, Deb was the eldest of the late Sylvia and Don Hendry.  As the oldest of five siblings, she naturally stepped into a role of strength and care that would define her throughout her life.  She was predeceased by her brother Donald and leaves behind her beloved siblings Karen (Glen), Wanda, and Wayne (Norene).  She treasured each of them in different ways.  Some of her happiest moments were the simple ones, enjoying a “Nip & Chips” with Karen and Wanda and cherishing the especially close and enduring bond she shared with her brother Wayne. She also held a special place in her heart for her nieces Bailey (Sean) and Carley as well as her Uncle Charlie (Phoebe).

Above all else, Deb’s greatest joy and deepest devotion was her family. She was the proud and loving mother of Michelle (Barry), Jeff (Aura), Amy (Rob), and Lee (Nicole). Every choice she made, every sacrifice she embraced, and every obstacle she overcame was guided by her unwavering love for her children. Through her example, she taught them to pursue what matters most, lead with kindness, and care generously for others. She was a woman of remarkable strength and courage, a kind and selfless mother, a sister who loved wholeheartedly, and a loyal friend whose support could always be counted on.

Becoming “Nan” was one of the greatest joys of Deb’s life. She was predeceased by her grandson Josh and is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Rylee, Cooper, Hudson, and Halle, who were the light of her world. Although Parkinson’s disease led to an earlier retirement than she had planned, it gave her more time to devote to her grandchildren. She cherished every moment with them; proudly cheering from the sidelines, gathering around board games, doing puzzles, singing, playing “cars” and walks to the park; creating memories that will live on in each of them. Her love was unconditional, generous, and constant.

Deb dedicated much of her career to caring for others through her work in care homes.  In her later years working, she found a special home at St. Amant Centre as a Support Worker. The work brought her immense pride and purpose.  Long after retirement, she continued to tell stories about the remarkable people she met there and the heartfelt joy she found in serving others with compassion and dignity.  Care for people was never simply her job; it was who she was.

Outside of family and work, Deb found happiness in life’s simple pleasures.  Her potted gardens bloomed each summer with colorful annuals and fragrant herbs.  Music was the soundtrack to her life, and few things made her happier than hearing the familiar hits of the 1970’s, snapping her fingers along with every beat and singing to every tune.  She had an uncanny knowledge of pop culture, effortlessly recalling celebrities, musicians, and songwriters of every generation.  Whether the conversation was about today’s headlines or decades-old music trivia, Deb always seemed to know the answer.

She also treasured the lifelong friendships that stood the test of time.  Her friends Terri, Jorunn, and Audrey and her cousin Monique remained constants throughout her life.  Along with her family, even in her final days at Grace Hospice, they filled her room with laughter, stories, memories and love – a beautiful reminder that true friendship and family connections never fade.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary staff at Grace Hospice.  Their kindness, compassion and unwavering support allowed Deb to navigate her cancer journey with dignity while somehow helping her keep the warm smile the so many will remember.

Deb requested that her life be celebrated simply, surrounded by her immediate family. In keeping with her wishes, a private celebration of life will be held.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Deb’s memory may be made to the Parkinson Canada Foundation or CancerCare Manitoba.

Deb’s greatest legacy is found in the family she cherished, the countless lives she touched with her kindness, the laughter she shared, and the love she gave so generously. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, forever treasured and never forgotten.