Obituary of Deborah Ann Pedersen

It is with tremendous sadness that the family announces the death of Deborah Ann Pedersen, on April 30th at GR Baker Hospital. Deborah was a loving wife to Kurt, a wonderful mother to her two daughters, Kirsten and Chloe. Most of all Deborah was a non-judgemental friend to everyone, whether a colleague, a client a family member or a friend.  Deb loved being a Grandma to Olivia, playing from morning till night. Deb loved watching videos of Olivia learning new skills or goofing around and this brought her much enjoyment during her last days.

Deb was born in Prince George, British Columbia, in 1954 to Jack and Jean Lunden, who predeceased her. The oldest of three children, Deborah was often called upon to mediate between her younger siblings, Derek and Patricia. Those mediation skills came in handy in her later years as a Social Worker, first as a protection worker in Quesnel, then as a Group Home Parent to teens in Vancouver and as a sexual abuse counsellor in Kelowna.  Deborah and her family returned to Quesnel in 2001 where she worked as a college and university instructor and eventually as a medical social worker at the local hospital.  Deborah earned Bachelor degrees in History and Social Work and a Masters’ degree in Social Work. Her work earned the respect of colleagues from many professions and in 2017 Deborah was awarded the Bridget Moran Advancement of Social Work in Northern Communities award.  

Deborah is survived by her husband, Kurt, her daughters Kirsten and Chloe (Adam),  granddaughter, Olivia Rose,  brother and sister-in-law, Derek and Maria, nephews, Mark and Robert , sister Patricia, nieces Laura and Rebecca, sisters-in-law Karen and Connie (Brian), brother-in-law David and her many friends.  Deborah was an avid gardener, host and chef who loved spending time with her friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the GR Baker Hospital Auxiliary would be appreciated.