LAYE, Debra
1961 ~ 2025
Ms. Debra Lynnette Laye of Red Deer, Alberta passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at the age of 63 years.
Debra was born at Lacombe, Alberta on February 26, 1961, to Walter and Ruby Laye. She was raised in Lacombe and lived there until she boarded in Red Deer to attend the Parkland School, until she was 18 years old. While she attended school there, she came home to Lacombe every weekend and holiday.
Debra then moved to Calgary to attend VRRI where there were many more options available for her. Debra had three great roommates and several staff members that have remained friends to this very day. While Debra lived in Calgary, she worked at a daycare, a hairdressing shop and at a couple of other part time jobs. She knew the Calgary Transit System and even took Shirley and Linda from her home to music concerts at the Saddledome on the C-train.
Debra moved back to Red Deer in 2006 to be closer to her family. In Red Deer, Debra lived a full and happy life. She loved her Special Olympics 5 Pin Bowling and all the tournaments, banquets and dancing that went along with this sport. Debra loved concerts, dancing, camping, CSS Club and outings with family and friends.
Dementia slowly crept up on Debra over the past three years until it took her independence and mobility away. Through it all, Debra remained very happy and was well taken care of thanks to two very special people, Tara and Tammy.
Debra will be lovingly remembered by sisters, Shirley (Jack) Nielsen of Alix, Alberta and Linda Laye (Harold Peterson) of Tees, Alberta; her brother, Randy (Judy) Laye of Lacombe, Alberta; as well as her six nephews and nieces and her thirteen great nephews and nieces. Debra was predeceased by her parents, two nephews and a great niece.
If desired, Memorial Donations in Debra’s honor may be made directly to the Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.ca or STARS at www.stars.ca.
A Private Celebration of Life will be held. A Private Interment will be held at the Lacombe Cemetery in the summer of 2025.
Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

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IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2025-02-23
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