Deborah (Debby) Cortus, 73, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, in Mesa, AZ.

Debby was born August 31, 1950, in Dodsland, SK to Donald and Lenora Dougall, the oldest of three siblings. She grew up on the farm helping her mom, tending to her animals, playing piano and exploring the farm. She met her husband-to-be Gary Cortus at age 6 when she started school in Plenty.

Debby graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1972 with a nursing degree, and married Gary later that year. After a brief stint in Edmonton, they moved to Swift Current in
1973, and then to North Battleford in 1985. Together they raised three boys with all of the hockey games, football, Scout meetings, vehicles and parties that came with them. The majority of her career was spent as a public health nurse for the Battlefords, delivering immunizations, coaching new parents, and delivering health information in schools.

Debby and Gary traveled a lot, constantly bringing new places and new faces into their lives.  Her favorite trip was a family trip to Hawaii for Christmas 2017. In 2001 they started their annual residency at Mesa Regal in Arizona to escape Saskatchewan winters. Debby had a love of cats, roast chicken, and music, but her life centered on her family.

Left to remember her love and support is her husband of 51 years, Gary; her sons: Dean (Kali) and Scott (Erin); grandchildren: Jakeb, Sophie, Cole and Chase; her brother, Ted (Kate) Dougall; and several nieces, nephews, and their families. She was preceded in death by her son, Brett; parents: Donald and Lenora Dougall, and brother, Greg Dougall.

Debby’s life was full of friends from all of their past and present homes in both Canada and the US. One of her mottos in life was to “Say good morning and make a point of talking to people around you” – and those who received that attention are the better for it.

A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. held at the Don Ross Gymnasium with Rev. Jo Ann Hills officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Canadian Mental Health Association – 1602 103rd St. North Battleford, SK, S9A 1L7.

Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Trevor Watts Funeral Director.

• Date : 2024-02-05
• Location : North Battleford, SK