Obituary of Debbie Rumpel

Deborah Kim Marie Rumpel passed away on April 11, 2024 at The Hospice at Glengarda after a three year battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. She was surrounded by those who loved her and she will be missed dearly. Deb was a loving partner, supportive mom, generous grandma, helpful sister, loyal friend and artist. She had a natural warmth and cheerfulness that made everyone feel special.

Debbie was born in Saskatoon on August 25, 1962. She was the seventh child and fifth girl to Harold and Odile Fahl. She attended Holy Family Elementary School then Evan Hardy Collegiate. Debbie and her former spouse Terry Rumpel had three amazing children: Brant, Devon and Lexie. Her greatest joy in life was becoming a mother and raising her three children. She was the foundation of her children’s lives and provided an endlessly loving environment during their childhood.

In 1999 Debbie took her first painting class with local artist, Hugo Alvarado, which led to a 25-year passion. This new-found form of artistic expression soon evolved into a vibrant community of artists that Deb was proud to be a part of. Painting was a huge source of joy for Deb and a positive outlet to express herself. She encouraged her kids to find their own forms of artistic expression, for which they will be forever grateful.

Debbie worked in various retail roles throughout her life and loved every minute of it. When the kids were young, she worked at Just Jeans and as a Mary Kay representative. After the kids grew up, she worked at Details at Home where she loved helping women put together outfits and find the perfect accessory for their homes. She was a steadfast and loyal member of her monthly clothing club with her friends for almost three decades, where many good times were had.

In August 2018 she met Jeff Hodgson and he became her adoring partner. They had a lot of fun together going to concerts, restaurants, and travelling. They had planned to continue their love story by getting married and being doting grandparents together.

In 2020 Debbie became a grandma to her first grandchild Giselle, then to Beatrix in 2021 and Victor in 2023. She was eager to care for her new granddaughters, having them at her house every week to play with her huge collection of toys from the past three decades, and get messy in grandma’s art studio.

In February 2021 Debbie was diagnosed with brain cancer. She remained courageous and put up a fierce fight through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Her family would like to thank everyone who helped her navigate this devastating diagnosis; especially Dr. Maas, Dr. Sami, Dr. Meguro, Dr. Guselle and Adele Kulyk. Debbie continued to prioritize spending as much time as possible with her family, friends and caring for her grandchildren for the next three years.

Deb is survived by her partner Jeff Hodgson, her children Brant (Faye Anderson), Devon (Roberta Barrington), Lexie (Luke Baird), grandchildren Giselle, Beatrix and Victor, her mother Odile Fahl, her siblings Brian Fahl, Dharlene Marie Fahl (David Brittian), Donna Gumprich (Shane), Susan Fahl (Pat Kichula), Bernadette Nicholson (Michael), Brent Fahl (Niamh), and numerous nieces and nephews. Deb was predeceased by her father Harold Fahl, and the father to her children Terry Rumpel.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday May 8 at 11:00am at The Remai Modern, followed by a light lunch and art reception where the family will display Deb’s final art show, completed in 2023.  

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Hospice at Glengarda through the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, or to Brain Cancer Canada.