Deborah Annette Durnford (nee White)
January 25, 1953 to May 3, 2026
Obituary
Deborah (Debby) Durnford (née White)
January 25, 1953 – May 3, 2026
She lived simply, loved fiercely, and gave without keeping score.
Lovingly remembered by cherished daughter Jennifer Langmead (Blair – Callie and Josh). Brothers Butch and Roger, sister Diane, brother in-law Joe Durnford (Mary) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins of the White, Simpson and Durnford families.
Predeceased by husband Keith, parents Joe and Floss White, sister Dale Collins, mother and father in-law Annie and Ambrose Durnford, brothers-in-law Alvin and John Durnford, and beloved members of the Simpson and White families.
Happily, greeted by their wagging tails, Oreo – who was the pup who changed her world; and Sam – who was the bestest boy in all the land.
Sincere thank you to mom’s cousin Lynda Sheppard for her dedication over the years; also to mom’s niece Pauline Pitcher for her steadfast relationship with mom – she valued your closeness more than you know. Also, to the staff at St. Clare’s Ortho, St. Pat’s and Agnes Pratt – you were all so caring and attentive to mom during her time with you – thank you!
Visitation for Mom and Dad, will take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home located on 329 Freshwater Road, from 2:00pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, May 6th. Graveside service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery on Thursday, May 7th at 2pm.
Donations in memory of mom may be made to the SPCA St. John’s or by completing an act of kindness to someone in need.
“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now; let me not defer it or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.”
– Stephen Grellet
Schedule
Visitations
2:00-7:00pm on May 6, 2026
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Inurnment
2:00pm, Thursday May 7th
Mount Pleasant Cemetery
53 James Lane, St. John's.
Jennifer,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was so kind and always so funny. The length of time and topics she and my Mom would cover on their phone calls was legendary. I’ll always remember her voice and that impish humour.
Jennifer, I was very sad to learn of both your mom and your dad’s passing. I know words cannot express the weight of your loss. The bond you shared with your parents was so special and immeasurable. You have my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. As you know I got to share many wonderful times with you and your family as an honorary member. Those are memories I will always cherish. I hope you take comfort in your own memories and the irrefutable fact that you were your parents reason for living, the absolute joy of their life. Take care of yourself my old friend. Sending you hugs and good thoughts. 🧡 Sincerely, “Denny”
I think that Dale and Debbie went to Booth Memorial. We had our 51st reunion but no ody knew their married name. Debbie was in my class. A lovely spirit and got along with everyone. Hope you live on all your happy memories.
Dear Jennifer. I’ve just learned of your Mom’s passing. I’m shocked and saddened to hear this news. Debby was such a sweetheart and always a pleasure to see in the office.
Debby and your dad were with me pretty well from Day one. I’ll miss them both now.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Paul Hiscock
So very sorry to hear of Debby’s passing. Back when I was single and Debbie and Keith newlyweds we were great friends and spent a lot of time together, especially when I was dating my now husband. Sadly as often happens we lost touch and had very little contact over the years. Sending sincere condolences to everyone.
Im so sad to read this, I knew Debby from her time at the APH when Keith resided there. I worked there and myself and Debby became friends , we had so many long chats and laughs together. She used to call us her “sunshine girls” . When I bought my first house Debby was the one who gave me a card to congratulate me, my only card. She was so thoughtful! My condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.
Jen,
So sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a kind and gentle woman and will be greatly missed. I hope that happy memories, and the comfort of knowing your parents are together again, bring peace to you and your family during this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences Jen on the passing of your dear parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jim and Ann Marie Moores
Condolences to all the extended family at this time.
Michael and Annette Boyle.
Jennifer I am sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.. She is reunited with Uncle Keith.
I am so sorry for your loss. Deb was so caring and selflessly thoughtful and generous, always kind, and never once judgmental, we were young and struggling with so many challenges. I will never forget the support she gave me, and I hope you feel surrounded by love and peace in this difficult time.
🖤B
Jennifer
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. I have wonderful memories of our time together as very close neighbours and was always so grateful for her trust in me to take you on our many adventures when you were a young girl! All those memories will be cherished and I hope and pray that your beautiful memories of both your Mom and Dad will stay with you always. Condolences to you and all your family.
Love and hugs,
Gloria
Jennifer & family, Thinking of you at this difficult time. so sorry for your loss, cherish all the wonderful memories of them both.
To Jennifer and family, I’m so very sorry to learn of the loss of your mom. When your family lived for a brief period in my neighbourhood of dammerills lane and kelland crescent myself and my late mom and dad got to know her very well. She was a very kind woman who always had time to stop and chat where ever you met her. .. my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Debby was a cousin that we always respected and loved. She had such a kind heart and funny sense of humour.
(Our Dad Ron was Floss’s brother). They are now all reunited in heaven with no more suffering.
It’s been years since I’ve seen Debby and Keith, as we are in Ontario, but sending all the love to you and your loved ones.
Debby was a cousin that we always respected and loved. She had such a kind heart and funny sense of humour.
(Our Dad Ron was Floss’s brother). They are now all reunited in heaven with no more suffering.
It’s been years since I’ve seen Debby and Keith, as we are in Ontario, but sending all the love to you and your loved ones.
Nancy Simpson (and family)
Jennifer,
I am truly saddened to hear of your beautiful mom’s passing. She was a gem. Such a caring, giving and fun person. I saw her on St. Patrick’s Day and we even had a dance together. Something I will cherish. Debbie was a very good friend to Fred and Olive. They loved and appreciated her. Your mom loved you so much. She was so proud of everything you did. Please accept our sincere condolences at this time.
Brenda and Chris Crummey
Olive Trimm
Jennifer and family,
My Deepest condolences on the passing of your mom. She was very kind, sincere and always up for “carrying -on”. or a good joke. She was a shining light that lit any room and will always be remembered fondly as my “MOM #2”.
Jennifer,
Barry and I are so sorry for the loss of your mom. Our hearts and prayers are with you and all your family. xo
Sherry & Barry
Jennifer and family, so sorry for your loss. My prayers and condolences to all
Dear Jen, Blair and family,
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mom.
My heartfelt sympathy to you and all your family.
Sincerely with love,
Joan
Jennifer,
There are so many fond memories (so many laughing) memories that the three of us share. Right back to the times of late night visits with our jammies on at my apartment to so many phone calls of pure laughter and endless story telling. She will hold such a special place in my heart. Thinking of you all!
Jennifer and family
So sad to hear of your mother’s passing.. She was a very kind and caring person. We are pleased to have been a part of her extended family. (She’s my daughter-in-law’s aunt). I remember one Mother’s Day a number of years ago, she invited a large number of us to the Woodstock for brunch and paid the whole shot! She was someone who was not comfortable with very much expressed gratitude. Just another kindness! To her, no big deal!
So sorry Jennifer to hear of your mom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers ❤️ are with you and the family.(((Hugs)))