Debra Laurene Hiroko Moriyama

DEBRA LAURENE HIROKO MORIYAMA, passed away on July 23, 2021 at the age of 66, surrounded by loved ones.  Deb was born in Lethbridge in 1954 and grew up in Picture Butte, Alberta.  She attended the University of Alberta and lived there and in Drayton Valley with her husband Jim Hubbell.  Following their divorce, Deb returned to Picture Butte with her three children.  Later she moved to Lethbridge with her partner and life mate Doug Huff. 

Deb was an accomplished pianist, quilter and seamstress, and was an avid golfer and curler. As a small child she spent much time with her maternal grandparents, Yutetsu and Yoneko Kawamura and this instilled a devotion to Japanese cultural events such as dancing, cooking and gardening that she has in turn passed on to her children. 

Deb will be remembered for her fun nature, her generosity and her strength of character. Like all great mothers, she was a fierce advocate for her children.  Deb was wonderful chef and hostess, and would ensure guests had their fill and then some.  Her Japanese New Year celebrations will be missed, not only for the wonderful food, but also for the warm and welcoming atmosphere in which it was shared.

Deb is survived by her partner Doug Huff, her children Sean (Debbie Bowden) Hubbell, Erin (Mike) Hubbell and Liana (Brian) Trenker, Doug’s Children Michelle (Dave) Kortt, Donovan (Emma) Huff and Christina (Danny Saunders) Hubbard, her brother Rob (Dona) Moriyama, Grandchildren Justin, Bianca, Olivia, Rufus, Gavin and Caleb and several aunts and uncles.  She is pre-deceased by her parents Rose and Harpo. 

Deb was always in motion and always getting things done. She met the obstacles that fate presented head-on, with courage and with grace. Her circle of friends and family was wide and she will be dearly missed by all of them.

Deb’s Celebration of Life will be held at The Italian Canadian Cultural Centre (1511 Saint Edward Boulevard North, Lethbridge) at 2:00 PM on Friday July 30, 2021.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Debra Laurene Hiroko Moriyama, please visit our floral store.