Debra Irene Burden (nee Ball)

We are saddened to announce the passing of Debra Burden on February 27, 2026 at Falkland surrounded by her loved ones. She is survived by her spouse of 52 years Marvin Burden and her daughters Natalie Burden and Angela Jones, son-in-law Zach Jones, granddaughters Madison and Eavan Jones, sisters Susan Collins, Linda Louise and bonus sister Helen Morrish, sister-in-law Joann Schellenberg (Roger), special niece Wendy Yeomans and husband Byron, several nephews and nieces and Burden family brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. She was predeceased by her parents Ann and Albert Ball, her brother Roger Ball (Joann), her sisters Judy Nicholas and Brenda Pare (Wayne), her in-laws Orville and Leonora Burden and brother-in-law Earl (Ann). She had wonderful close relationships with them all and was especially thrilled to welcome her two granddaughters.

Debra was born Dec. 19, 1953 at New Westminster, BC to Ann and Albert Ball.  She was the youngest of six children and one of five daughters.  The day before she was to start school the family moved to Langley which was really the boonies back then.  She attended West Langley Elementary, Fort Langley Junior High and then graduated from Langley Secondary in January 1971. She moved back to New Westminster after graduation and immediately started to work as a legal secretary for a law firm there and then another in Surrey before moving with Marv to the Okanagan.

Debra and Marvin were senior high school sweethearts and “eloped” as her mother called it in July 1974. They knew right from the start that they were soulmates. In 1976 they moved to Falkland. That was to be a temporary location until they found a rental in Vernon. They are still married and living in Falkland 50 years later!

Once settled in Falkland Debra began working for Davidson & Co. lawyers.  However, Debra had a passion for tropical plants and a year after she started at the law firm she was offered a position at Buds ‘n Blooms, a flower and plant shop which was opening at the Village Green Mall. She worked for the company (Mike Kowaluk) until the end of 1980 when her daughter Natalie was born.  Her second daughter Angela was born in 1982.

Debra remained a stay-at-home mom until both daughters were in school. In the meantime, she was very involved with the community. She was chairperson of the Falkland Elementary School Parent Advisory for seven years, Treasurer for the Falkland Brownies and Guides as well as the Cliffview District for several years and a founding member of the Falkland Westwold First Responder Society and received her First Responder training.

When Debra was ready to return to the workplace she was employed by Phyllis Simon, Notary Public.  Phyllis became Debra’s mentor and very special friend for over 37 years. While working for Phyllis, Debra decided to begin her studies to become a Notary Public herself as a notarial seal was becoming available in Vernon. After completing her courses through the Society of Notaries Public and UBC she was sworn in as a Notary Public in the Supreme Court in Vancouver in early December 1991. Debra practised as a Notary Public for the following twenty-five years in downtown Vernon until retiring in late 2016.

Debra was very creative and, among other things, enjoyed working with eggshells such as ostrich, rhea and goose and created Faberge style eggs from them. She had a great sense of humour and enjoyed pranks even when they were played on her. She was awed by Mother Nature and her love for tropical plants continued until the end. She always had a house full including blooming orchids. She and Marvin took many trips to Costa Rica and they mostly rented houses or casitas on the ocean in the more remote jungle areas enjoying the vegetation and wildlife.

Debra had a very close group of five lady friends whose friendships she treasured for 50 years. She and some of the group enjoyed short annual trips together each year for over 40 years including to New York City, San Francisco, Las Vegas and many to the Lower Mainland.

Unfortunately, Debra had to battle four different cancers over the years starting in 1995 then 2016, 2021 and 2025. She joked that she was running out of body parts to sacrifice to the cancer Gods. She was so thankful each time for the awesome care she received from our local medical services and for the years that they extended her life. The loss of a lung lobe in 2021 (the same day they were evacuated due to a forest fire!) along with severe COPD was her final hurrah. As per Debra’s request there will be no service. No flowers please.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: