Obituary of Debbie Redenbach

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Debbie Marie Redenbach, a long-time resident of Chetwynd British Columbia. On October.27, 2021 Debbie entered eternal rest at the Fort.St.John hospital surrounded by the love of her closest family and friends. Debbie was described as a walking angel on earth by everyone who met her. Her kindness, compassion and love for others is how so many people will remember her. She was the most amazing mom, second mom, work mom, daughter, sister, auntie, friend and most importantly grandma. 

Debbie was born in Pouce Coupe, BC to Jens and Eileen Bertelsen on September. 5,1960. Debbie grew up in Chetwynd and spent her childhood roaming 43rd street with her brothers Clint and Kevin and the neighbourhood kids, known as the 43rd street gang. So many memories were made throughout the years on 43rd street and the relationships built in those early years carried on throughout her entire life. The memories continued to build when the family moved out to the farm in 1977. Days were spent tending to the animals, working the land and most importantly making precious memories as a family. 

In 1978, Debbie and Tim welcomed their first child into the world, their son Derrick, followed by their daughter Jackalynn in 1982. Debbie’s true life calling was met, becoming a mother. She was loving and devoted not only to her children but also to her adopted children, Chris, and Kayla, who lost their mother at a young age. It was just natural that Debbie took them in as her own. As she did to anyone. Auntie’s house was always the safe space for all the nieces and nephews, and they hold such a special place in their hearts for Debbie, after all she was a true angel, our earth angel. The special place in people's hearts that Debbie held was not reserved just for family and friends, it also held space in the hearts of her coworkers at CN Rail where she was a referred to as “work mom” for the 40 years she worked there. Whether you were a friend or complete strange you were often met with that contagious smile, a giant hug and kind words of encouragement. She never carried any judgement towards anyone, and she always accepted you as you were. 

19 years ago, a special man walked into her daughter Jackalynn’s life Mike, and she again added another son into her life. Mike not only provided Debbie with endless amounts of love and support throughout the years he gave her the best gift in the world, her grandchildren. On May.1, 2008 Debbie became a grandma to her pride and joy Kolben. Her life was again blessed when her beautiful granddaughter Brittin was born on May.13, 2011. Kolben and Brittin were the light of Debbie’s life. She spent countless days with her grandchildren making beautiful memories, being involved in their day to day lives and being the world’s best grandma. She gave the best grandma snuggles, read the best books and always took the time to let the children know that they were her number one priority. She endlessly told them she loved them to the moon and back while giving a thousand kisses.  

Debbie was met with love by her father Jens Bertelsen and her sister-in-law Kathy Bertelsen as she entered her eternal rest. 

No formal service will be held at this time.  For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Debbie to The Chetwynd & District Hospital Foundation, PO Box 121, Chetwynd BC V0C 1J0.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium