Obituary of Debra Marie ECCLES

April 12, 1956 – June 1, 2024

Debra Maria Eccles of Hockley Village, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2024, at the age of 68

Debra is survived by her mother, Nora Eccles (Ferguson) of Hanover, sister Pat Kress (Wayne) of Elmwood, brother’s Jim Eccles (Karen) of Durham, John Eccles (Kathy) of Hanover and 7 nieces and nephews, 10 great nieces and nephews, and 2 great-great niece and nephew.
Predeceased by her father Roy Eccles and her brother David Eccles.

Debra had many types of families that she loved, including her work family at Dufferin EMS, her Dog Show family and her Hockley family.

Debra graduated from Humber College in 1984 as a paramedic, but she went into nursing initially. For 16 years, she worked as a paramedic in Toronto, as a primary, then advance, then critical care. Debra then went on to become a well-known and respected paramedic for Dufferin County for many years.

Debra’s passions was her job as a paramedic in Dufferin County, her English Mastiffs, and of course, her family and friends.

Debra was previously interviewed in 2018 by the Orangeville Citizen about her life and her 34+ years of being a paramedic. She was also asked about the love for her “girls”, the lovely English Mastiffs she had as her beloved companions. Her move to the country was the beginning of her having the dogs in her life. She enjoyed breeding and showing them and creating new friendships with her dog families. Debra explained in the article that she went as far as showing them at the Westminster Dog Show in New York, Colorado and in Canada, to educate people on the English Mastiff. The friends and bonds she created with her dog families became an essential part of her life, opposite to her everyday life.

Debra was always there to help those in need. Her strength and commitment in all of her endeavours was evident in everything she did.

We would like to thank all the staff at the Newmarket Hospital, the Orangeville Hospital and the Bethell Hospice in Inglewood for their dedication to her care and final journey.

In keeping with Debra’s wishes, cremation has taken place. 

Interment will be held at the Amos Presbyterian Cemetery (224032 Southgate Road 22, Dromore, Ontario), on Saturday June 8^th, 2024 at 11:00 AM.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Adjala/Tecumseth/West Gwillumbury Conservation Club (994935 Mono-Adjala Townline, Alliston, ON - North of 20 Sideroad, on the east side), on Saturday June 22nd, 2024, from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Debra, can be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Bethell Hospice Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at imfunerals.com

In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Eccles Family.