Deborah "Debbi" Diane Fitzgerald

Queensport , NS

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Deborah “Debbi” Diane Fitzgerald at her home in Queensport, Nova Scotia, on December 13, 2025. 

Born September 2, 1955, in Halifax, Nova Scotia to the late Jim and Joan Sorrell, Debbi lived a life filled with colour, music and laughter.  She loved her family, friends, art, books and dogs fiercely. 

After graduating from NSCC’s Nursing Assistant Program, Debbi started the first decade of her career providing care to others. However, a deep love for art led Debbi to work tirelessly to turn her hobby into a professional passion.  A self taught artist of 30+ years, Debbi expanded her skills from pencil sketches to artworks of conte sticks, charcoal, water color, acrylic, pastels, oil paint and even digital art.  

Debbi enjoyed learning many forms and styles of art as well as sharing her passion and skills with others.  She was a member of many art communities, including the Manitoba Arts Network and the local Artworks East in Guysborough, NS.  During her time abroad in the UK, among many things, she volunteered at St. Edmunds College as a Volunteer Artist sharing her skills with the students.  Over the years as an artist, Debbi was the recipient of many awards and commendations.  Her remarkable skills lead to significant commissions in different mediums and styles of art.

Inspired by her family and the world around her, she found her perfect match when she met Jim; a local teacher and artist who expressed his creativity through music.  Together, their home was less a house and more a living gallery filled with art and music.   Debbie was an amazing person who was always positive, never complained, and was quick to tell a joke. Her ability to find beauty and hope each and every day made her an unforgettable person.

Debbi is survived by her loving husband of 34 years Jim, her two children, Shawn (Natalie) and Sarah (Alberto) as well as her sister, Jodi (Auss) and her brother, Jim and is predeceased by her son, David.   Debbi is grandmother to three granddaughters and one grandson: Ashley, Rianne, Rebecca and Lucas.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date to be decided. Arrangements are under the care of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Guysborough, NS. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com

“Though her easel stands empty, her vibrant spirit lives on in every brushstroke she left behind”