Deborah Geraldine “Debi” Syme, 54, of Wake Forest, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at UNC Rex Hospital. She was born on September 1, 1962, in Burns Lake, British Columbia (BC), Canada, to the late Jacob Bueckert and Agatha (nee Martens) Bueckert.
Debi grew up in Burns Lake, BC, where at age 4 she became best friends with Sharon (nee Gerow) Crawford and has remained in contact ever since. After graduating from high school in Burns Lake, Debi attended Peace River Bible Institute in Peace River, Alberta (AB), where she met two of her good friends, Melba and Marvin Fast. Later, she moved to Wetaskiwin, AB, where she worked as a florist and in retail, and became good friends with Heather Rix. Then, Debi moved to Edmonton where she made many good friends (sorry, too many to list), attended Fellowship Baptist Church, and eventually met her future husband, Dave. Debi enjoyed the many summers and times she spent with her nieces and nephews, building fond memories. In 1993, Debi married Dave and moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (SK), where they attended Ebenezer Baptist Church, were blessed with children Jennifer and Craig, and made more friends. The family moved to Raleigh, NC, area in 2013 as Dave was offered an new role in the company he worked for since 1993 and Debi embraced the opportunity to explore new areas and meet people.
Debi had a passion for helping and encouraging others. She was faithfully involved in Lifepointe Church and churches in Canada, where she was always willing to step in and help out with whatever the need may be. Debi was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. Her presence and love will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her.
A celebration of Debi’s life will be held at 2 o’clock, Saturday afternoon, January 28, 2017 at Lifepointe Church, 9500 Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614. Friends may visit with the family following the service. The family is also planning a celebration of Debi’s life that will be held at a later date in Canada.
Debi is survived by her husband of 23 years, David Syme; children, Jennifer Nicole Syme and Craig Geoffrey Syme; brother, John Bueckert & wife Lorraine of Langley, BC, Canada; sisters, Marie Tarry & husband Wes and Anne Berg & husband Larry, all of Wetaskiwin, AB, Canada; 14 nieces and nephews; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her brother, Hank Bueckert (survived by Janet Bueckert) and her sister, Kathy Tarry (survived by Melvin Tarry).
Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Debi's strong faith, love of family and compassion for others to support the ministry of her nephew Darryl Bueckert and his wife Jodi in making a lasting difference against world poverty. For more information, please go Help-Project.org. Please designate the donations to Help-Project: Darryl and Jodi Bueckert #510. (www.help-project.org/donate/)