Debra Palermo November 15, 1967 - June 27, 2019

Debbie Palermo nee Jackson passed away peacefully on June 27^th, 2019 at the Dryden Regional Health Centre with family by her side.

Debbie was born on November 15^th, 1967 to Earl and Shelvy Jackson in Dryden.

She went to Barclay Public School, graduated from Dryden High School in 1986 and attended University of Kitchener-Waterloo graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Legal Studies. In 1991, after graduation, she began her career as a Social Worker at the Hoshizaki House. She worked there for 26 years. At the shelter, Debbie made the darkest moments bearable. She had a passion and drive for the work and truly cared for the people she worked with and worked for. She fundamentally made a difference in many peoples’ lives.

In 1992, Debbie married Dan Palermo. In 1995, they welcomed their first son Tyson to their family and in 1998, their second son, Trey. As a family they enjoyed many camping trips, travelling and a lot of time at the hockey rink. She loved spending time with her family and was always enthusiastic to host holidays and special occasions. Debbie had a special ability to make everyone feel welcome and make any occasion a little more fun with her quick wit and infectious laugh. She always gave more of herself than she expected from others and did so with a smile.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 27 years Dan Palermo and sons Tyson and Trey, mother Shelvy Jackson, brother Todd (Tracy) Jackson, sister Jana (Shane) Adams, sister-in-law Julie (Fred) Helbling and brothers-in-law Mario and John Palermo. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Melissa and Derek Palermo, Laine Helbling, Ryan (Ricki-Lee) Helbling, Derick Henderson, Chance Jackson and Kingston Adams and numerous Aunts and Uncles.

Debbie was predeceased by her father Earl Jackson and in-laws Joe and Maria Palermo.

Thank you to Dr. Jollymore, Oncology Unit, Kathy West, Jen Nesbitt and Beth Nixon. Also, Dr. Faghih and Dr. Anthes at Thunder Bay District Hospital and Dr. Touzin at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre.