Obituary of Dr. Deborah Stymiest

Dr. Deborah Stymiest, 67, of Fredericton, New Brunswick, passed on April 2, 2024, with her loving family by her side. She was born in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, and took great pride in her Cape Breton roots. 

She will be forever loved and immeasurably missed by her devoted husband, Bev; daughters, Laura (Breagh) and Kate (Jarrad); siblings, Judy (Skip), Calvin (Doris), Brenda, Dale (Wendy, d. 2018; Holly) and Donnie.

Deborah cherished the many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends she leaves behind. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents Cavell “Cubby” and Vera Nicholson, and brother, Brian Nicholson (Debbie).

Deborah obtained a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Biology from Mount Allison University and went on to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a dentist, graduating from Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Dentistry in ‘83. She provided outstanding care to her patients and served the community of Fredericton with passion for over 30 years. She viewed it as a privilege to learn about the lives and stories of her patients and was so fortunate to truly love her work.

Deborah was distinguished in her field and held numerous leadership positions with her regional and provincial dental associations. A trailblazer for women in dentistry, she was inducted as the President of the Canadian Dental Association in 2008, the first female president in its 106-year history.

A skillful artist, fabulous cook, expert gift-giver, gracious hostess, lover of music and books, and loyal friend. Deborah was always generous with her time and the first to lift up those around her.

Of all her accomplishments, Deborah was most proud of her two children, Laura and Kate, to whom she was a fierce protector, trusted advisor, and constant source of comfort. Inspired by her example of service, both daughters are physicians at the IWK Health Centre, dedicated to caring for children in the Maritimes.

Her husband, Bev, was the love of her life and best friend. The two shared a bond that rarely saw them apart from the time they met in 1976 at Mount Allison University. In recent years, they thrived while traveling the world together. They marveled at the beauty they encountered in the places they visited and the people they met. Deborah adored the beautiful home they built together until her final days.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the care providers of the Oncology teams at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital and the Saint John Regional Hospital, as well as the nurses of the Extra-Mural Program who provided Deborah with exceptional care. Their dedication and compassion made a genuine difference during her treatment.  

Deborah’s family has established a scholarship at Mount Allison University to honour her legacy. The award will support promising students in need of financial support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Dr. Deborah Nicholson Stymiest Scholarship are gratefully accepted and can be made by calling 1-866-890-6318 or visiting www.mta.ca/donate.

A service of remembrance will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home on Saturday, April 13th at 3 pm. 

The Stymiest Family