Obituary of Debbie Matthews

Debra "Debbie" Louise Matthews

January 8, 1955 - August 12, 2023

Corner Brook, NL 

After complications from an illness, the family of Debra (Debbie) Louise Matthews (nee Rowsell) are devastated to announce her passing on August 12, 2023 at the Palliative Care Unit in Corner Brook, NL. An eight year cancer survivor, Debbie was 68 years young, born January 8th, 1955 in Corner Brook, she shared her birthday with Elvis (and Judy). Blessed to find the love of her life early, together for 54 and married for 49 years she leaves to mourn her loving husband, Tom, their children: Rhonda (Michael), Ed (Claudette), Richard (Brittany) and Andrew. Debbie loved to be with children, especially her grandchildren who she adored: Charlotte, Charlie, Katie, Sam, Ava and Kelsie. Her beautiful sisters: Patricia, Barbara, Christina (Dave) Ruth-Walker, Rosalind (John) Penney and Dawn (John) Bethune. She always enjoyed the fun times with her in-laws: Wayne (Winnie), Ralph (Shelley), David (Alice), Bernard (Laverne), Brian, Peter (Sharon), Gertrude (Jim) McCarthy, John (Tereska), Marguerite (Mike) Brightman and Desmond. As well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Debbie was a sweet soul who always had a kind ear and gave a helping hand to any one who needed it. Born with a creative mind, Debbie loved her crafts, delighted in being a master puzzle solver and was a Trivial Pursuit queen. 

Debbie was predeceased by her mother Beverly Attwood, father Ross Rowsell Sr, and brother Ross Rowsell Jr. Her father-in-law, Ralph and mother-in-law Rita (nee Buckle) Matthews, brothers-in-law: Johnny and Gerald Matthews, and sister-in-law Christine Lihou. 

Cremation has taken place. Friends and family may visit Fillatre's Funeral Home, 4 St. Marks Avenue on Wednesday, August 16th from 2-4 and 7-9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 17th at 2:00 p.m. from Fillatre's Funeral Home Chapel with Major Brian Wheeler officiating. There will be no grave side service. 

The family would like to thank everyone for the tremendous outpouring of love and support during this difficult time, especially to the many doctors, and nurses at the hospital and in the Palliative Care Unit for the excellent care that Debbie received during her hospitalization. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Debbie's name to the Western Regional Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice. Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.

The funeral service can be viewed live through the following link

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=87f72dc3-390e-4930-8621-a5df1f9d734b