We Remember

GREYELL, Debra

July 3, 1964 — May 6, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Debra Lynne Greyell, who died surrounded by her family on May 6, 2025, in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 60.

Debra’s memory will be cherished forever by her partner of 25 years, Reg Merkley. Her legacy lives on through her two sons, Corey and Jordan. Stories of her will be shared for generations with her grandchildren, Jaxton Greyell, Blake Merkley, and Kailey Merkley. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of her loving family: her mother, Barb; her siblings, Dianne (Gene), Darwin (Kim), and Denise; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, close family members, and friends. She will be reunited in the afterlife with her father, Ronald, her grandmother Marion, and her dearest friend Dawn Latta.

Born on July 3, 1964, Debra lived a vibrant life full of love and excitement. She was the light in the room and the reason the room existed. Bringing people together was her superpower. From her teenage years until her last days, hosting large dinners and organizing vacations with family and friends were the highlights of her life.

Debra was compassionate, kind, and hilariously funny. She was generous beyond measure, always ready to help others with her time, effort, and resources. She loved to sing, dance, play games, craft, and sew, embracing life fully.
For nearly 20 years, Debra poured her heart and soul into building the iconic West Kelowna restaurant Pepper Pot Grill. From scratch-made sauces and burgers to decorating the restaurant for every holiday, she built the restaurant with hard work and passion, creating a place for families and friends to gather and make memories – something she hoped would continue for decades.

Debra loved to travel. Her adventures took her around the world – from North Carolina to the Bahamas and Fiji. She was an avid traveler who also loved RV road trips, always asking with a sparkle in her eye, “Where are we going next?” She made every journey feel like an epic adventure, often taking spontaneous camper trips to Lake Chelan and Wenatchee, Washington, and traveling the West Coast and Mountain West through Montana to Mexico with family and friends.

Debra was also the queen of cards. Amid her busy life, she always found time to send birthday, holiday, and postcards to loved ones, making staying connected effortless and personal.

In true Debra fashion, she danced and sang until her last moments – through gardens, under sunshine, sharing love and creating core memories with her family around her. She will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
Keep an eye out-you might see her as a fuzzy bumblebee buzzing nearby. We love you forever, Deb.

In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for someone else – buy food for someone in need, help with gardening, spend time with a loved one, or give a gift and ask them to pass it on in Deb’s memory. She would love that.

Donations can be made to the Central Okanagan Hospice Association or Mamas for Mamas.

A Celebration of Life will be held; details to follow.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Central Okanagan Hospice Association or Mamas for Mamas Link: hospicecoha.org, mamasformamas.org

 


 


Condolences

  • Lil says:

    My heart is broken for the family, sending you all hugs ❤️

  • Robert L Louise y plus Christopher r cameron says:

    Our deepest condolences for your loss of Debra Greyell.
    from cousin Robert L Bob Cameron plus Family Calgary Alberta

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