March 16, 1952 – August 31, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Deborah (“Debbie”) Frances Ricci on August 31, 2024 at the age of 72 at Southlake Regional Health Centre with her husband by her side.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband Joseph (“Joe”) of 48 years, her daughter Ashlee, her son Taylor (Bryer) and her granddaughters Elliot & Lily. She will be deeply missed by her brother David (Janet), her sister’s in-laws Toni (Frank), Rita, Nancy (Nick) and many nieces and nephews. Also, her favourite “grand pets” Monty, Stuart, Olive and Olsen.
Debbie was born in Toronto on March 16, 1952 to James Archibald (“Archie”) and Lillian Chisholm (Stearne). She was raised in the loving home that her grandfather built in the Borough of York. At an early age, Debbie consolidated her piano playing skills to a high level and achieved her Grade 8 piano certificate and then never played again.
Attended grade school at Fairbank Public School and high school at Vaughan Road Collegiate where she graduated with Honours and as an Ontario Scholar scoring the second highest marks, in the high nineties, in the three maths! Debbie was also a member of the synchronized swim team with her best friend Sharon Sample while achieving this high academic achievement.
Off to the University of Toronto where, once again, she graduated with Honours Bachelor of Science, Physiotherapy. She started her working career at Queensway General Hospital but quickly moved to the Homecare Program of Metro Toronto where she catered to many patients in their homes after various surgeries. Debbie was a vibrant outgoing individual who loved meeting new people regardless of race, religion or colour. She treated everyone as individuals and could not tolerate racism or bigotry. She would always say “we all came from somewhere “so this career as a Homecare Therapist was right up her alley.
Debbie met Joe at house party with friends at the age of 14. Their connection was instantaneous. They went steady for 9 years, through different high schools and universities and were married a year after they both graduated on August 7, 1976.
Moved to Bolton Ontario in 1978 where they bought their first starter house and after many renovations remained there to this day. Debbie dedicated her life to family and made their house into a loving home with days filled with laughter, love, respect and many fond memories. Her heart was filled with the accompaniment of her beloved dog, Murphy.
Debbie and Joe were blessed with two loving, caring and generous children, Ashlee in 1980 and Taylor in 1983. Taylor married Bryer in 2015 and two wonderful granddaughters Elliot and Lily arrived in 2017 and 2021 respectively.
Debbie and Joe were fortunate enough to travel to the East and West coast of Canada, Montreal regularly, Barbados, Dominican Republic, London, France (Paris & Avignon & Nice), Switzerland and Italy. Debbie was infatuated with Italy and they traveled there every year since 2011 with the exception of the two covid years. They traveled through the 20 regions of Italy for 6 to 7 weeks at a time and were in love with Florence. They had plans for longer term stays in Florence when her sickness occurred.
Debbie was a voracious reader and could consume a book in days, an exceptional gourmet cook and exceptional hostess. Most of all Debbie was a brilliant, loving, caring, dedicated wife and mother and was constantly smiling and looking on the positive side of life. She was an accomplished and committed swimmer with the Vaughan Aquatic Masters Club and afterward continued to swim 2km a day well into her 70s. A testament to her life long commitment to an active lifestyle. That bright smile and witty sense of humour will be dearly missed by all who new her. Especially her 8-life long girlfriends from elementary school who got together for a weekend every September for the sacred ‘girls’ weekend.’
Debbie’s life was a testament to love, kindness and unwavering support. She was the heartbeat of our family, full of grace and hope and we are all better people for having her in our lives.
The family would like to thank all the Doctors and nurses at the Southlake Regional Health Centre, especially Dr. Amin and Dr. Shaqil Kassam and Dr. Tatiana Conrad of the Stronach Cancer Centre for their guidance and support through this very difficult process.
The family will receive their family and friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Thursday afternoon 1 to 4 and evening 6 to 8 o’clock. Memorial service will be held in the chapel on Friday morning, September 6 at 11 o’clock. Interment of cremated remains will take place at a later date.
Debbie loved flowers and she also loved pets so a donation or flowers would be gratefully appreciated. Donations to the Cancer Society would also be appropriate.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Deborah (Debbie) Frances Ricci (nee Chisholm)
Print Obituary & Condolences
Hana Barakat
I did not meet Debbie but from the sounds of it she was an incredible woman and will be dearly missed by so many. My deepest condolences to her loved ones. May she rest in eternal peace. Sending so much love and positive energy during this difficult time.
Dr. Yehiel and Maria Meghory
To the Ricci families,
Our sincerest sympathies on Debbie’s recent passing. She was definitely a “bright light”. May your sweet memories of her, bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Yehiel and Maria Meghory
Vincent Ricci
Diane and Jim Ricci
We are very saddened to hear about Debbie’s Passing, We remember her as a wonderful family person. the perfect partner for Joe. We will always cherish her memory.
Irmgard Jankowski
I am so sorry, to hear about your wife’s and mother’s passing. I still hoped, I would meet her again at the swimmingpool. She was such a nice and elegant lady.
My condolene to the whole family
Garry fitzell
Joe my old friend and old neighbour I truely so so very sorry for your loss If you can take anything away from this so sad time .Know this my friend you will meet again in afar better place where thereis no pain or sorrow only the love of the ones that went on before . Trust in the LORD and his love for us all .When he calls us home HE knows why . I will always remember you two being so so in love Joe you had agood one there Please remember the good times They will help By my friend
Robert & Linda Thomson
Dear Joe, Ashlee & Taylor
Please except our deepest condolences on the passing of Debbie. We are still in shock after receiving a call from David. Debbie will be sadly missed as she was definitely a special person. The Ricci & Chisholm families are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.
With Love
Rob & Linda
Thomson
Robert & Linda Thomson
Dear Joe, Ashlee & Taylor
Please except our deepest condolences on the passing of Debbie. We are still in shock after receiving a call from David. Debbie will be sadly missed as she was definitely a special person. The Ricci & Chisholm families are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.
With Love
Rob & Linda
& family
Glenn Placido
Joe, and the Ricci family, please accept our sincere condolences in the passing of Debbie.
Debbie was an accomplished wife, mother and grandmother. Debbie was a business professional who brought care and consideration to her clients. May the memories of all of the good times be remembered for all who remain.
Arlene and Glenn Placido
Christine Ricci
Dear Joe,
I was so sad to hear of Debbie’s passing. The tribute written about her gave me a history about the teenage girl that captivated me as a little girl. I estimate, I was about 11 years old when I first met Debbie at Zia and Zio’s home by Fairbanks Park. I have a clear picture of her walking away from the house, down their front path – blonde hair swinging across her shoulders. You were both heading back to university. (I’m thinking it was Thanksgiving weekend) To me she was exotic.
Peace be with you and your family.
Arlene Edwards
My love and sincere heartfelt condolences to Joe who has lost his life long partner, best friend and wife, Ashlee, Taylor, Bryer, Elliot and Lily who have lost their beautiful wonderful Mom and Gramma, and to Dave who has lost his dear sister. Deb was such a driving force in your lives, her love, humour and laughter will echo in your hearts forever, as it will in mine my dear friend. Nothing is lost, only changed, love you, friends forever, until we meet again ❤️
Pietro Oliva
Joe & Family
Our thoughts are with you All
We know great memories with Debbie will help you through this most difficult time.
Sorry we cannot be there to offer our condolences in person.
Thinking of you, Pietro & Giulia Oliva
Millie Murdoch
Dearest Ashlee and Ricci family;
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Ernie and Millie.
Natalina Brunaccioni
To the Ricci Familia. Wonderful memories of Debbie and so very sorry to hear of this. We express our deepest condolences. Nina & Joe Brunaccioni
Joanne Sambartolo
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the entire family. May she always be with you all – sending lots of strength during this time.
Dale Miller
Joe, Ashlee, Taylor & Family,
I was very sorry to hear the news about Debbie. I have known Debbie for over 40 years and had the privilege of being her Manager at Home Care for the first 20 years. Debbie was the consummate professional, respected by her peers and loved by all her patients and their families.
During this difficult period, take the time to celebrate a life well lived and a person sell loved.
Take care of each other, Dale Miller
Eleanor Fiiorino
Dear Ricci Family,
My sincerest condolences to each one of you for your loss. I knew Debbie as the competent physiotherapist she was and someone whom I knew would always be giving the patient safe and compassionate care. She was always so respectful in her assessment and professional judgement.
May her memory be a blessing.
Eleanor Fiorino
Alida Cosentino
Dear Ashlee,
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Sending love and hugs during this difficult time to you and all her loved ones. What a beautiful tribute, I enjoyed learning about her life and legacy ❤️
Alida Cosentino
Angela Fracassi Lescard
Debbie was one of a kind caring and happy woman. I never saw her without a smile. I offer my deepest condolences to the family as I know she will be greatly missed.
Jacobson Family
Dear Joe, Ashlee, Taylor and Family,
Our deepest Sympathy on your very sad loss.
We always looked forward to seeing Debbie whether she was a parent in the stands watching Ashlee or swimming herself early in the mornings with our Masters Swim Team. She was always a bright light amongst everyone and loved and respected by all
Daniel Occhiuto
To the Ricci family
I have had the opportunity to have not only met you all but have been invited into your home by all the individual stories your Mom would share with me while she would get her hair cut. Always funny, but mostly inspirational.
The love she had for you all would come out in every story and I would always go home and share them with my family .
Your Mom truly did care about everyone . She would always comment on my Christmass lights that I would put up on my tree in front of my house as she passed by at 6:30am on her way to swim at the community centre.
She would ask who climbed up that tree I would say me and she would laugh and say please don’t fall & hurt your self who’s gonna cut my hair ?
So I would say so it’s all about your hair and
She’d say , no I willdrive you to the hospital…
But seriously who’s gonna cut my hair ?lol
She wasn’t just a client .
Your not just another family.
She was My client My friend and your stories make you like my family
Miss you Debbie
Love Daniel
Rita Pincivero
Our deepest sympathy to cousin Joe and family. It was always a pleasure to see Debbie, she greeted everyone with a smile. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Love Rita and Robert Pincivero- North Bay
Angela Rickett
Joe, Ashlee & Taylor, my sincere condolences to you all. It was such a shock to hear this sad news. Angela
Sandy Frank Lynda Tyler
Please accept our sincerest condolences. We’re all thinking of you .
Susan Romanick
I attended the University of Toronto with Debbie and will always remember her infectious smile. I am so sorry for your loss .
Heather Widdop
Joe – my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Heather Widdop
Nancy & Oskar Winkler
Joe: Our sincerest condolences, thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and your Family on the recent passing of Debbie.
Mike Feudo
Joe, our deepest and heartfelt condolences. We will always remember Debbie’s vibrant smile and kindness in her heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike & Loretta Feudo
Allyson Hibma
My sincere condolences to Joe and family. I will always remember Debbie as being so caring like Aunt Nink. I am thinking of all of you. So sorry for your loss.
Tania Pos
My most sincere condolences over your loss. Love and strength to the family.
Jill Donhaue
Taylor, Bryer and Ashlee,
We are so very sorry. Your mom was such a wonderful lady – someone I always wanted to spend more time with. You all clearly inherited her abundance of loving kindness, her gift of making people feel seen and heard and her sense of humour. Sending much love, strength and patience as you manoeuvre the waves of grief ahead.
with love and friendship,
Jill and John
Geoffrey Gow
My sincere condolences. I knew Debbie for many years as my lane swim buddy. She was always a pleasure to speak to. Beautiful smile. She will be missed.
Lorna Would
Joe, Ashlee, Taylor and Bryer. My sincere condolences on the passing of Debbie.
I am in shock as you must be. Such a vibrant, beautiful, sunny, warm, funny lady gone too soon.
Her smile lit up a room and her quick wit was always endearing.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. She lives on in you and remains in your heart forever.
Sincerely,
Lorna Would (Placido)
Suzanne Kuperhause
Taylor and family
My deepest condolences to you all at this difficult time. Please know that myself and many others are thinking of you all.
Suzanne
Cliona
Joe, Ashlee and Taylor, my sincere condolences. I worked with Debbie for 18 years at the Homecare program and our team weekly lunches at either Swiss Chalet north @Rexdale or south on Bloor were usually made considerably funnier by Debbie’s stories and adventures on the road. Debbie was very proud of her family. It was a pleasure to have known her RIP.
Donna Blakely
Ashlee
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family have..
Rick and Jane Sherwood
Joe, Ashley, Tyler and family. Jane and I just heard of Debbie’s passing due to being away and our hearts are broken . We send our love, condolences and prayers to you all. We remember the wonderful times we had with you at family get togethers.
All our love,
Jane and Rick Sherwood
Stanley Mann
Ash, so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Your mom was a very special lady.
Christina Ritlop
Joe and Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Debbie.
We are saddened and in shock.
Debbie was the first neighbour to greet us and welcome us into the community when we first moved in across the street 23 years ago.
She was always so kind and friendly, and she always had time to stop and chat.
Such an elegant lady, inside and out!
She will be sadly missed, but remembered with great fondness.
Christina and Dan
Stephanie, Elizabeth and Madeleine
Ritlop
Helmut Reinhardt
Joe, and the Ricci family, please accept my condolences on the passing of Debbie.
Debbie was a wonderful person with a great smile the few times we met.
My thoughts and prayers are with the you.
Sandy Doblinger (Noritis)
Dear Joe and family,
I attended the University of Toronto with Debbie and always enjoyed spending time with her, her ready smile and her great sense of humour. She actually encouraged me to work in homecare as well and I am so glad she did- I loved it. I am so very sorry for your loss and pray that the lovely memories you have shared will bring you comfort. It was a privilege to know such a special lady. Warmly, Sandy Doblinger (Noritis)
Patricia King and George Moffatt
Dear Joe and family
George and I were so very sad and upset to hear of Debbie’s passing
We remember Debbie so well , she always had a smile for everyone and the most lovely twinkling eyes
May God bless you and your family and wrap you in his love during this very difficult time
Our prayers are with you
with love
Kerry Wessinger
Ashlee,
Sending you hugs as you navigate your terrible loss. Hoping you find comfort in the stories and memories that will be shared with you by those who knew and loved your mum. May those moments also bring you some peace through the tears and, hopefully, some laughter too.
Our condolences to you and your family from Kerry, Dave and our family.