In Loving Memory of Debbie MacKenzie November 13, 1958 – September 1, 2021 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Debbie MacKenzie (nee Bouwman). Debbie was the wife of Don MacKenzie, Elora, and mother of Reghan Youssef (Ali, Hassan, Houssein) of Hamilton. Sister to Brenda Schepper (Ron, Travis) of Peterborough, Ed Bouwman (Patricia, Daniel, Ava) of Oakville, Fred Bouwman (Evangeline, Angel) of Port Elgin, Linda Sullivan (Garry, Andrew, Jasmine, Ben, Chloe, Ryan) of Fergus, Sharon Kors (Michael, Melissa, Bret, Amanda) of Ponsonby, Sandra Baguley (Mark, Kelsey, Cameron, Lily) of Ariss, Keith Barney (Rini, Calvin) of Canberra, Australia, Sheila Keane (Brendan, Shea, Jada) of Elora, and step-sister to Kathryn Barney of Toronto. Debbie was a loving mother to Reghan and grandmother to Hassan and Houssein. They were her pride and joy and the purpose to her life. She often spoke of the wonderful influence our mother (Lily) had on all of us, and the same characteristics were clearly displayed in her relationship with Reghan and her grandchildren. Debbie was the eldest of our large family and after the passing of our mother in 2003, she became the quiet but thoughtful leader. Debbie was always thinking of her entire family and the first one to acknowledge special occasions with a personal phone call or well written letter. She was always interested in all of our lives and enjoyed our many family gatherings immensely. She was close friends to a number of her cousins, especially Nancy Grills. She kept in touch with our many Aunts and Uncles as this connection with our extended family was so important to her. Debbie was an extremely caring person and this led to her working as a Personal Support Worker. She taught piano to dozens of children in the Elora-Fergus region over many years. She had a great connection and interest in people of all ages. Debbie’s main enjoyment came from family gatherings whether it was the “Sisters plus Patricia and Nancy” weekends, or the time spent at our grandfathers cottage in Wilberforce, or family get togethers over the holidays. She also spent many years with Don enjoying the Elora Racquets Club. We are at such a loss over Debbie’s passing and words cannot express enough what she has meant to our entire family. She always tried to keep attention away from herself, so maybe now looking down, she will see the tremendous influence she has had on all of us. She will forever be in our minds, thoughts and prayers. Debbie will be joining her father (Joseph Bouwman), mother (Lily Barney, Bouwman nee Veldman), and step-father (David Barney). The family would like to say a special thank you to all of the Nurses and Doctors at Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus for their compassionate care. Debbie’s funeral will be a small private family gathering.
The Family of Debbie Mackenzie