Debra Lynn Moreau

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Debra Lynn Moreau, age 65, on July 29th in the Halifax Infirmary. Debra passed away with her family at her side and will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Debra was a loving, caring, and incredibly thoughtful mother, grandmother, and wife who deeply cared for her family, friends, and community. To her family, Debra was the consummate matriarch who never hesitated to show compassion or share her experiences with her family. To her community, she was energetic, passionate, and loyal, taking on leadership roles in many local organizations. In one of her community roles, she served for many years on the board of directors of Chrysalis House, helping to create a new women’s interval home in Kentville.

Debra was an adventurer at heart and loved new experiences. It was this characteristic that led her to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Canadian Arctic, Costa Rica, and recently, Iceland. She was also a talented kayaker and hiker, always comfortable and at peace in nature.

Throughout her life, Debra developed a love for music and singing and joined the Valley Voices Acapella Choir in 2011. The members of Valley Voices have become her extended family, and she cares deeply for them all. Her love for music and singing was a constant uplifting force in her life, always inspiring her to live life to the fullest without fear or regret.

As a young adult, Debra developed a curiosity for science and a love for nature. This inspired her to complete Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in science in the 90s while raising her children at home. This was followed by further studies at Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie universities, completing her Doctorate of Science in Biology.

Her academic successes led to a position as a Research Scientist at the Kentville Research and Development Centre. While in this position, she developed a relationship with the strawberry, blueberry, and wine grape growers and worked closely with these groups to solve crop protection problems. She further went on to become the Associate Director of Research and Technology, responsible for all science staff in Kentville, Truro, and Nappan, but never lost her respect and admiration for Annapolis Valley growers.

Debra is survived by her loving husband, Jeff Franklin; daughter, Stephanie Moreau; son, Eric Moreau; stepchildren, Jay and Cassidy Franklin; four grandchildren; and siblings, Dawn Petit (sister) and Cameron Simms (brother).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced. Donations may be made to either of the following charities:
Chrysalis House (www.chrysalishouseassociation.org/get-involved-donate) or
Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca). Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.