It is with heavy and loving hearts that we announce the passing of Deann, who left us peacefully at the age of 59, surrounded by those she loved most. She is predeceased by her beloved mother, Bernice, and father, Michael. Though her time with us feels far too short, she departed this world in the same quiet strength and grace that defined her life.
Born on Bell Island on May 20, 1966, Deann carried a nurturing spirit that touched everyone she met. A nurse by both profession and calling, she graduated from the Grace Hospital in 1987 and devoted more than 40 years to caring for others. To her patients, she was a source of comfort and reassurance; to her colleagues, a steady and compassionate presence who set the standard for the kind of nurse they all aspired to be.
At the centre of Deann’s world was her family. As the beloved wife of her devoted husband, Bill, she was his partner in every sense - steadfast, supportive, and deeply loving. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion, laughter, and a shared commitment to family, each serving as the other’s constant anchor.
As a mother, Deann was the heart of the home. She adored her children, Jeannie (Josh) and Johnathan (Jessica), and poured herself into their lives with unwavering love and pride. Through her example, she taught them kindness, resilience, and integrity - lessons that will continue to guide them always.
Deann found her greatest peace in the simple joys of life. She loved hiking the East Coast Trail, picking blueberries, and spending quiet weekends at the cabin. She cherished her fur babies, Boo and Scout, who were constant companions and a source of comfort and happiness.
A true fighter, Deann faced life’s challenges, including illness, with remarkable courage and grace, never allowing her own struggles to overshadow her care for others or her deep capacity for love.
She will be lovingly remembered by her brother, Michael; her nieces and nephews; extended members of the Conway and Weir families; and her dear friend Bonnie Hawco, and her many colleagues,friends and patients whose lives she touched along the way.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to her oncologist, Dr. Joy McCarthy, whose care went far beyond medicine. Over time, their relationship grew into one of deep trust and friendship - marked by compassion, honesty, and shared tears during the hardest moments. Deann was comforted not only by Dr. McCarthy’s exceptional care, but by the genuine humanity she brought to every conversation. The family also wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate nursing staff at the Cancer Centre, whose kindness, patience, and unwavering support brought comfort to Deann and her family during the most difficult days.
Deann’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she cared for, the family she cherished, and the compassion she shared so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever held close in our hearts.
Visitation will take place at Hickey’s Funeral Home, 570 Conception Bay Highway, Conception Bay South, on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, Foxtrap, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Flowers are gratefully accepted, or donations may be made in memoriam to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation. To send a message of condolence, please visit www.hickeysfuneralhome.com.
Memorial Donations | Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation
It is with heavy and loving hearts that we announce the passing of Deann, who left us peacefully at the age of 59, surrounded by those she loved most. She is predeceased by her beloved mother, Bernice, and father, Michael. Though her time with us feels far too short, she departed this world in the same quiet strength and grace that define
Friday, January 16, 2026
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Hickey's Funeral Home
570 Conception Bay Highway Conception Bay South, NL A1Z 7P8