Olsen, Debbie
Debbie Olsen
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear Debbie Olsen, Sister, Mom, Grandmother, at the age of 69 on August 30, 2025 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. After years of many health challenges, it was time for her to be at peace and free of pain, so God called her home.
Debbie was born February 26,1956 in Assiniboia, Sask to parents Emilie and Leo Marcenko she grew up on the family farm where she and her younger sister Joanne along with many cousins and dear friends spent many hours exploring the pasture and creek together.
Debbie attended Wood Mountain School and at the young age of 14 she worked the summers at Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Ivor Waslenko’s farm, as well as Uncle Joe & Anne Lawrick’s Farm She cleaned house, cooked and took care of our younger cousins. For someone so young she was very responsible and a really fast and hard worker!
Debbie married at the young age of 17 becoming a mom to Christina Lynn in 1974 and in 1977 to Angela Marie.
Debbie worked as a Dietary Aid at the Moose Jaw Hospital for over 30 years until her Retirement. She shared many fun times with her co-workers and over the years had some comical stories to share.
Debbie loved to have fun and her most endearing trait was her silliness! She had a nick name for all her grand children… “Ash Pash”, “Hannah Banana” “Callie Wallie” “Kaleb Baleb”, even Joanne was “Josey Posey”… and nieces “Kelsi Welsi” and “Hayley Wayley” they of course all had to rhyme.
Debbie was very proud of her daughters and grandchildren and loved to talk about their successes. Debbie loved animals especially cats and dogs and spent many hours visiting her “Grand dogs” and “Grand Kittys” and would even FaceTime Joanne so she could see her kitties too. Debbie was also a big fan of Taylor Swift and quickly became a “Swiftie” blasting her music in her car!
At age 48 Debbie began Dialysis and at age 50 obtained a Kidney Transplant which she was so grateful for! Thereafter her health challenges began. With each challenge she was so brave and strong and like a “Soldier” she just carried on inspiring so many!
During this time her father Leo was placed in Assisted Living then into Long Term Care where Debbie without fail visited him every day! Bringing him donuts and fav Mars Bars and of course Kleenex until his passing. Even when she wasn’t well, she rarely missed a visit. And when Debbie became ill it was Christina and Angela who were there for her just as she was for her dad.
Debbie is survived by her daughters Christina Hildebrand, Son-in-law Dennis, Daughter Angela Cambridge and Son-in-law Doug, Sister Joanne Sitter Brother-in-law Tim, Grandchildren Ashley Cambridge, Hannah Hildebrand, Callie Hildebrand, Kaleb Cambridge, Nieces Kelsi Fernie (Steve) Great Nephew Carson, Hayley Crawford (Colton) Great Nephew Macklin, Nephew AJ Edmond (Laura) Great Nephews Hayden & Kasper as well as so many cousins and friends.
Rest in Peace Dear Debbie
A Funeral Service for Debbie will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Pastor Walter Engel will officiate. For friends and family who are unbale to attend you are invited to view the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. Donations in Debbie’s name may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada #1 – 2217 Hanselman Court Saskatoon, SK S7L 9Z9 or to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre c/o Pasqua Hospital 4101 Dewdney Ave. Regina, SK S4T 7T1. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
My cousin Debbie was such a joy. She always greeted life with a smile. I’ve always admired her courage. Rest in Peace dear cousin.
Had a great time working with Debbie at the hospital ! We became good friends ! She will be missed !
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
She was an inspiration to many, we were very close in, she was there for me when Sheldon was born, the best worker,, etc, we will miss her so much, she’s with her mom and dad and other family members , no more pain and suffering , she’s the BEST , love Auntie and cousins,️⭐️
So sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing she was a lovely lady and a great coworker. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Condolences to Debbie’s family. I worked with her at the Hosp. She always had stories from the younger years. We always would have a good laugh about them. See you on the flip side Deb
My deer Friend Debbie, we had so much fun together over the years we worked together, not to mention the great times at the dietary Christmas Parties and especially the Pre- Christmas Parties. I remember we had your Surprise 50th Birthday Party, and you saying to me (after we all had too many drinks) “Kara what if I get called for my transplant tomorrow”, and me saying ahh you won’t get called!! Just for the call to come less than 24 hours later!!! I love you my friend!! Rest in Peace ♥️
So good to read the lovely tribute to Debbie, I have not seen her for many years.
Spent many summers at her parents farms.
What a strong courage’s woman. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time. In Gods loving arms.
So sorry to hear about Debbie’s passing. I used to work with her in the 90’s. She was a very nice and fun person to work with. I liked her very much. Thinking of you all at this very sad time. So very sorry for your loss.
Dear Christina, Angela and family. I am so very sorry to hear this. Debbie was a truly wonderful person. She really did not ever complain. She was so grateful for her transplant. I haven’t talked with Debbie for far too long and that was on me. I thought of her often. She was really awesome. Huge hugs.
It is with heart felt sympathy we send this condolence to the family of our dear cousin Debbie. May God bless you all.
So very sorry for your loss. Condolences to the whole family.