Deanna Rumsey (nee Blanshard) passed away peacefully the evening of January 7, 2024, at the age of 78 with the love of her family surrounding her in Collingwood, ON at the Hospice Georgian Triangle, Campbell House.
Deanna was loved by many in her life, especially the love of her life, Terence (Terry) Rumsey, who passed away in March 2023. She leaves a family of children and grandchildren, who will miss her immensely; children Suzanne (Chris), Michael (Jane), Ashley and Melissa (John); grandchildren, Courtnay (Cam), Sarah, Matt, Abbey, Siri, Harlow and Primm. “Dee” also embraced Terry’s children; David (Kathy), Mike (Sara), Jennifer (Mark) and grandchildren as part of the family. Deanna was blessed to have a wonderful and supportive group of cousins, friends that spanned decades and acquaintances through her lifetime. She is described as a woman whose life impacted many, without her even realizing it. Deanna cared deeply for others, always asking after family and friends with genuine care and compassion and an offer to support. Educated as an RN, Deanna’s career was spent as a champion for women’s prenatal health, working in labour and delivery and teaching lamaze, and with a later career as a doula and a hypnobirthing coach, happily connected to babies and supporting their parents.
Deanna was fortunate to have a wonderful life of summers at the cottage in Muskoka on the Moon River and Lake Muskoka and special times at the “church” in the Blue Mountains. Deanna loved to socialize and entertain, especially with Terry at her side. She enjoyed the outdoors including ATV fishing adventures with Terry, or a quiet cast from the bow of their canoe. In winter she adored skiing, bringing the joy of the sport to her entire family from a young age skiing every weekend, to trips in the mountains. Being in nature, gardening, cooking beautiful food and baking for those she loved – the simplest pleasure in life brought great joy to Deanna. She treasured being with her family, watching her children and grandchildren compete in activities and events, always the “cheerleader” on the sidelines or the front row.
The Herod-Cayley-Rumsey families would like to send a special thank you to the neurosurgery team at Toronto Western Hospital for their exceptional treatment and kindness; and are full of gratitude for the dignified, gentle and loving care provided to Deanna at the end of her life at Campbell House.
A service is scheduled for Saturday April 27, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the All Saints Anglican Church, 32 Elgin Street, Collingwood ON. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Campbell House on her behalf. Arrangements entrusted to Fawcett Funeral Home - Collingwood.