Obituary of Debra Jean McCaffery

McCAFFERY, Debra (nee Ekberg)- Passed away with family and friends at her side, on Friday, November 6th, 2015 at the St. Catharines General Hospital. Debra was 59 years of age. Adored mother of Kate (Jim), Mike (Tammy) and Mary. Grandma to Kiley, Marlee and Charlie. Loving sister of Dean (Judith), Connie (late George) and David (Sandi). Debra will be sadly missed by her nieces, nephews and many friends. She is predeceased by her parents Ruth and Bill Ekberg. Debra was the dedicated Board Chaplaincy Leader for the Niagara Catholic District School Board. After graduating from Merivale High School , Debra moved from Cheektowaga, NY to attend Brock University. Debra earned her master's degrees in education from Niagara University, studied theology and was a sessional instructor at Brock University. Confidant and friend to many, Debra filled a lot of roles for a lot of people. She always knew how to pick the perfect birthday card; thoughtful and meaningful gestures were her forte, and her ability to consistently do things that simply made sense made her a leader by example. Wholeheartedly dedicated and in love with her grandchildren, Debra was born to be a grandmother. She will be sorely missed by many. The family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Tuesday, November 10th from 2-4p.m. & 7-9p.m. Vigil Prayers will take place on Tuesday at 3:30p.m. in the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Julia Church, 251 Glenridge Ave. on Wednesday, November 11th at 12:00p.m. Rite of Committal at Victoria Lawn Cemetery to follow. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Debra's colleagues at the Niagara Catholic District School Board, St. Francis Catholic Secondary School and the Critical Care staff at St. Catharines General Hospital for your support and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mark Preece Family House (Hamilton) would be sincerely appreciated. Preach the Gospel at all times; when necessary, use words. (St. Francis of Assisi) God’s will – peacefully do at each moment what at that moment ought to be done. -St. Katherine Drexel