Obituary of Debbra Burtnick

DEBBRA ELLA BURTNICK (nee Desiatnyk)

The world was blessed with Debbra Ella on the 18th day of August, 1956.  She was born in Ashern, MB, being the eldest of 5 children. Her brother Ken came next, followed by Bev, Darwin, and then the baby of the family, Karen. 

Debbie spent her younger years at the Desiatnyk farm at the south end of Wolf Lake, between Elphinstone and Sandy Lake.   She lived a typical Ukrainian life, going to school in Elphinstone, then coming home and helping her Mom in the house or Dad out in the field picking roots and having regular chores.  This was her normal routine until around 17 years of age when she asked her Mom.... "can I hang out with Larry?” This later proved to be her soulmate of 51 years.  They had eyes for each other, but Larry had moved to Ontario for work while Debbie continued school in Elphinstone.  This courting continued until she finished school, at which point they moved together to Kenora, ON for a brief time.  After moving back to Manitoba, they were married on December 14, 1974 in Elphinstone, MB.

To provide for their family, Larry had numerous jobs, and as a result they lived in several different places in their lifetime together, all while growing their family of 4 children, Jason, Derrick, Natalie and Karla.  They spent time in Calgary, AB., “Donald’s Farm” (a mile east of where Debbie grew up), Alexander, MB., Vista, MB., then eventually settled into their forever home in Elphinstone, when Larry acquired a job with the Pool Elevator, where they continued to live their life together until Debbie’s passing.

She was very proud of her children and was always involved with their activities.  She spent much time in the Elphinstone rink, often carrying the boy’s hockey bags on her shoulders.  She also took part in curling in many bonspiels held there. 

She enjoyed reading, crocheting, and knitting.  Passing her knitting and crocheting skills on to Natalie and the love of reading onto Karla.  She enjoyed attending the Presbyterian church until its closing. 

After focusing on being a Mom for many years, and their children being old enough, she decided to test the work world and became custodian of both the elementary and high schools in Elphinstone.  She really enjoyed the work and took a lot of pride in it, especially waxing the floors over the summer.  They shined in the light on school opening day and that filled her with pride.  After the schools closed, she took a job at the Personal Care Home in Sandy Lake, MB.   This would be her lifetime job.  She wore many hats over her 26 years there, including dietary aide, laundry, housekeeping and some office work.  Debbie was forced to retire due to illness, but often expressed her desire to go back to work.  She had many fond memories of fun times shared with coworkers that became lifelong friends. She truly enjoyed working at Sandy Lake PCH and spoke often of how she missed her time there, right up until her passing.

Following her retirement, they enjoyed travelling.  Having gone all the way to the West coast to Long Beach on Vancouver Island, then to the East coast, to Confederation Bridge. This journey included travel through Canada and the USA.  They also enjoyed a trip down the Alaskan highway to Whitehorse.  They wanted to go further but did not have their passports to enter Alaska at that time.  They attempted to come home through the Northwest Territories, but were rerouted due to road closures because of wildfires.  All this travelling was high on her bucket list but her heart was with her family.....raising 4 children, and enjoying 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  This was the highlight of her life.  She loved every one of them equally and wanted to be involved in their birthdays, Christmas's and graduations. 

Debbra passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre- ICU department, surrounded by her adoring family.  She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Larry and their 4 children, Jason (Trezia) Burtnick, Derrick (Florence) Burtnick, Natalie (Dan) Brabant and Karla (David) Dmyterko.  Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Sisters, Bev (Doug) McDougall and Karen Bertrand and brother, Ken (Cindy) Desiatnyk, as well as her Mom, Ella Desiatnyk. She is predeceased by her Dad, Peter Desiatnyk and brother Darwin Desiatnyk.

At her request, there will be no funeral service at this time, however a Celebration of Life will be held next summer.  Details will be shared at a later date.

For donations in Debbra’s name, please forward to:

-Sandy Lake Personal Care Home, 106 1st St., Box 7, Sandy Lake, MB, R0J 1X0.

-STARS Ambulance, 155 - A W Hangar Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R3J 3Z1.

-Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation (ICU Department), 150 McTavish Ave E., Winnipeg, MB, R7A 7H8.