At Extendicare, we recognize the dedicated team members who are the heart of the care we provide to residents across Canada. Their expertise and compassion make it possible for us to continue our work, helping people live better.
Among them is Deb, a devoted Nurse who recently celebrated her remarkable 50-year career anniversary – including 15 years with Extendicare – continues to be an incredible example of commitment and care in action. When Deb graduated from nursing school in the early 1970s, she couldn’t have imagined her career would span five decades, multiple roles and countless stories of compassion, resilience and change.
“I chose nursing just to have that opportunity to care for people in their most vulnerable moments,” she said. “That’s one of the few careers that demands both brains and a heart.”
Deb began her training in a hospital-based diploma program before transferring to St. Lawrence College, where she was part of its first graduating class.
Over the years, she has seen sweeping changes in health care.
While technology and practices have evolved, Deb said the heart of nursing remains the same. Her advice to new nurses emphasizes compassion, listening, and self-care.
“People remember how you made them feel beyond technical skills,” she said. “Residents or patients don’t always speak in textbook symptoms. Listening with intent can reveal what the chart never does. Empathy burnout is real. Boundaries and self-care aren’t selfish, they’re essential.”
Her career has spanned a wide variety of roles: family practice, a children’s treatment centre, correctional health, long-term care, and administration. She found her way to Extendicare as a Clinical Care Coordinator, later moving into roles as an Administrator and Consultant. For the past 15 years she has supported Extendicare long-term care homes across Ontario and Manitoba.
“I’ve got a lot of miles under me,” she said.
Deb credits her mentors and family, especially her husband, Dave.
“His unwavering support, encouragement and belief in me, even when the road wasn’t so clear, gave me the strength to keep going,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without him and my family.”
Now a grandmother of three, Deb spends her time outside of work with family and travelling. After 50 years, she said she still isn’t ready to stop.
“Probably when I don’t enjoy it anymore,” she said. “But I’m still here.”
Her unparalleled expertise and true passion for making a difference in the lives of those we serve is inspiring. Extendicare is proud to have team members like Deb who commit wholeheartedly to providing unwavering quality care to residents. Congratulations on your milestone anniversary, Deb!