Deborah Ann Houle (nee Smoke)

With heavy hearts we are sad to announce the sudden passing of our Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend, Deborah Ann Houle.

Left to mourn her passing are her children Marissa Smoke, Christian Smoke, Rene Smoke and Misty Pratt.

Grandchildren Shaylynne, Sissalie, Jaylynn, Seth, Rayne, Phoenix, Lorenzen, Latrell. Rene Jr, Renee, Keaton, Ashton and Kolby and Chad Brooks. Sister Rhonda Wasicuna and nephew Graeson Wasicuna as well as nieces Tina Wasicuna, Amber Wasicuna and nephew Wacey Wasicuna. She also leaves to mourn cousins, relatives and friends and adopted sister Sandee Smoke.

Predeceased by her parents Winnifred Wasicuna and Arnett Smoke, Grandmother Tiyo Smoke and Grandfather Chaske Smoke, Brother Cyril Smoke, Sisters Lorelei Wasicuna, Gwendolyne Wasicuna and Angela Brooks as well as aunts and uncles of Dakota Plains and Sioux Valley.

Debbie was born in Portage la Prairie and grew up in Dakota Plains and Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. She attended school in Rossendale and classes at Brandon University. She graduated from the Community Health Program.

Debbie was a teacher’s aide at the Dakota Plains School, Community Health Representative and DOCFS worker at Dakota Plains.

Debbie enjoyed playing bingo, cards, and board games that could last for hours, watching movies and for a time was in the pool league. She attended many community events so that she could meet with relatives. She enjoyed visiting, hearing and telling a good story and sharing a laugh. She was kind, funny and loved everyone and was loved by all.

Traditional Feast and Service will be held at the Women’s Lodge at Dakota Plains Wakpeton Nation on Sunday, September 13, 2026 beginning at noon.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com