We Remember

McCONKEY, Deborah Ann

June 27, 1947 — June 27, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Deb McConkey announces her peaceful passing on the morning of June 27th, 2025, at the age of 78. Born in Toronto, Ontario, on June 27th, 1947, to parents Ruth and Hugh McConkey, Deb was the family ‘perpetual motion machine’… from starting school two years early because her older sister Diahann wouldn’t go without her… to a life that took her back and forth across the Atlantic and finally to BC.

Deb met the love of her life, Brian Wardle, in 1973 in Toronto and they moved to England in 1975… a stay that lasted 18 years. A passion for women’s rights lead to a successful business career with the UK entity of XEROX where she rose to became one of the first female District Sales Manager’s in Europe. But the siren call for motherhood took over and the arrival of Stephen James on September 29th, 1982, became the focus of her life. When Steve started school, Deb studied too and was selected to become a Lay Magistrate at Aylesbury Magistrates Court and a member of the Parole Board. Positions she held until 1993 when the family returned to Canada… this time to BC.  As a retirement project, Brian had purchased a business in Vernon, Sunshine Marine, selling a wide range of outdoor equipment and ‘toys’. Winters were spent in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Tragically, Brian died in 1999 of a massive heart attack. The business was sold, and life went on… leading to a fulfilling period of regular participation in her church, The Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels, and volunteering at the BC Cancer Centre in Kelowna. Deb’s favourite ‘position’ was the Friday afternoon shift in the Chemo Room. Sadly, COVID ended all volunteer opportunities and once they finally re-awakened, Deb was too arthritic to go back.

On Deb’s return to living full-time in Kelowna, relaxation meant FIBRE… as Deb became an enthusiastic member of Ponderosa Fibre Arts Guild… holding various positions on the Board and enjoying weaving, knitting… and spinning most of all. All of this while enjoying regular visits from Steve, who was now living and working in the lower Mainland.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, 1:00 pm, at The Cathedral Church of St Michael and All Angels, 608 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC, with light refreshments to follow.

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

Service
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 1:00 pm

Location
The Cathedral Church of St Michael and All Angels

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