It is with great sorrow that the family of Deann Bartee announces the passing of our precious Missy. She will be missed terribly by her family, and most especially her mother Vivienne and her father Vern.
Deann was loved by so many and spread light through the hearts of all. Deann had many heroes in her life, most especially the warm and loving team of caregivers who provided her daily support and love. As Deann spent much of her life at Elves Special Needs Society, the family would like to acknowledge all of the staff that had such a positive influence on her life. Deann brought joy to all and impacted us with her smile and beautiful spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Adult Program at Elves Special Needs Society. (10421 159 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5P 3A6 or 780-481-5335 or https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/6630)
Tribute wall - a place to share your memories and condolences
Shirley and Rochelle
Dear Vivienne and Vern,
I just heard that Deann passed away. I am sad to hear about this. Please accept my terribly late condolences. I can only imagine what you have been going through these past few years without her.
I am sorry that I lost contact with you. I thought of you often and I wanted to phone you and ask you how you were, but I didn’t want to bother you. I knew you lived busy lives and I felt bad because it seemed I always came to you in need. I appreciated all you did for Rochelle and me, and I did not want you to think I would take advantage of you kindness and generosity.
I met you when Rochelle out grew her baby car seat and child booster seat. She needed a special car seat and someone gave me your name and number. Of course you gave us the car seat we needed. After that you often met Rochelle’s equipment needs. Growing children go through a great deal of equipment. You understood that.
You even helped my sister with an employment problem at one time. I was extremely grateful. You both have big hearts.
Your hearts are big enough to help others but the thing you did best was love and care for a child with severe disabilities like she didn’t have any disabilities, and you continued to do this when Deann became an adult.
How you loved and cared for Deann made a difference in the lives of so many people. You made living with a severe disabilities look so easy, just like you made organizing those CP Christmas parties and the bike-a-thon look easy. You gave Deann a wonderful life and you improved the lives of countless others who live with CP, at the same time
I remember having a conversation with Vern once. He said he believed Deann understood everything, but she didn’t have a way to express what she knew. He was sure she was very smart. I am sure she knew how much her parents loved her, and how much good they did for others, because of her.
If you believe what the book says and ‘Heaven is Real’, now Deann can express everything she knows. She is no longer limited by any disability. I am sure she is, incredibly grateful that she was blessed with such wonderful parents, and extremely proud of all they have for others on her behalf.
You were blessed with a lovely daughter. I can only imagine the pain of being separated from her. I pray that God will comfort you and help you find peace.
Cheryl stuart
Oh Vivienne and Vern. I am so sorry for your loss I remember Deanne as a very young girl when my daughter Caolaidhe would push her around at the CP Christmas parties. I’ve always cherished those memories. Sending love
Karen Thibault
Dear Vivienne, Vern and family,
I was very saddened to hear that Deann had passed away. I am so sorry for your loss of this beautiful soul. Although I did not see Deann often, when I did she was always smiling and so obviously well loved.
My warmest condolences to you and your family.
Loretta O’Bear
Dear Vivienne and Vern,
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness.
Loretta O’Bear
AUPE Medicine Hat Regional Office
Joyce McArthur
Dear Vivienne and Vern,
So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you on this very sad day.
Joyce McArthur
AUPE Southern Regional Office.