Deborah Hellyer Obituary, Death – Deborah Hellyer died peacefully on November 15, 2022 in Windsor, surrounded by her family, on October 22, 1952 in Campbellton, New Brunswick. Her loving children are Gregory and Jennifer Petrakos (Christopher), and James is her proud Nana. Dawn Ostler (John) and John Hellyer regard her as their adored sister (Louise). Vincent and Patricia, her parents, died before she was born. Her numerous nieces and nephews will miss her greatly. Deborah received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1978. After graduation, she worked as a Respirologist and Occupational Health Physician (OHCOW) in Windsor Essex County.
Deborah had a long and distinguished career in which she demonstrated unwavering dedication to her patients for over 40 years. Deborah was completely committed to raising preventative care awareness and improving the health of the communities where she lived and worked. Throughout her career, Deborah served on numerous committees, councils, associations, and boards. Deborah, in particular, has spent many years on the boards of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). Deborah was the first female president of the Essex County Medical Society in 2000, and during her tenure, the strategy for the satellite medical school was developed as a long-term planning measure for physician recruitment.
She served on the Physician Assistant Implementation Advisory Committee, which was critical in the development, implementation, and integration of Physician Assistants in Ontario. The American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants both honored her for her dedication and valuable contributions. She was the medical director of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital. In the last few years of her career, she relished her time on the CPSO council. Deborah was a dedicated mother, a proud Nana, and an English bulldog fan who enjoyed traveling outside of work. She treasured her friends and the time she spent catching up with them on a walk or going out to lunch with them. Above all, she adored her family and always put her children first. There wasn’t a soccer game or figure skating practice she didn’t attend. Nothing made her happier than going on family vacations in search of the next adventure.
The family wishes to thank the dedicated and caring staff at Windsor Regional Hospital – Met Campus, the Cancer Center, and Hospice Windsor. Thank you so much for all of your assistance, Claudette, Rosemary, and Dr. Andrew Petrakos, Nikki Brunelle, Dr. Fortuna, Dr. Kanjeekal, Fay Lawn, Debbie Westbury, Irene Vermey, and Gaynor and Catherine Chittle. Deborah has requested that there be no funeral or visitation, but rather a celebration of life for close family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of Windsor or the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society. The arrangements are being handled by Families First, 3260 Dougall Ave., South Windsor, 519-969-5841. Visit www.FamiliesFirst.ca to share your memories, photos, and donations.
