We were so sorry to hear of Deborah's passing. Deb's friends and colleagues at Cengage and Nelson will remember her for her dedication to students and instructors, her incredible work ethic, and her sense of humour. Thanks so much for all you have given to early childhood educators in Canada over the past 30+ years.

I'm late to this as was in denial. I texted Nov & Dec. not wanting to know what the radio silence meant. Carla, Mrs. Kernested, Ali & everyone. I'm so sorry this happened to Deb & for the immense hole Deb left behind.

In TO many moons (41) I met Deb in the office bathroom. She was in med I was in law. We killed ourselves laughing in the bathroom left for the elevator but didn't go anywhere for 25 mins lol. We had so much fun. Deb was no BS which One loved and we would snort & belly ache laugh & chat away for hours. Never was there a more stylish friend. We chatted at length about her condo renos, Ali, Carla Debs mum, Michael & Barb (I had the pleasure of mtg, family, so many people & topics. I will miss Deb like crazy. No more long distance chats & laughs & photos. My dearest friend I'm so glad you're not in pain anymore. I love you to pieces. ❤️ I don't know if my photos uploaded but I hope so. Schmeb's (aka Schmebbles) wattage smile is one in a million.

Deb would have been 68 today. Her photo -- that glorious head of hair, that beaming smile -- popped up in my social media feed, and I was startled into remembering she is gone. Deb was so smart, self-effacing, confident, warm. The best kind of auntie to her niece Anastasia and nephew Erik, the best sister to Carla, the best daughter to Rhoda. I feel honoured to have known her and sorry not to be in Winnipeg to celebrate her life with her family and friends. My condolences to all.

I met Deborah almost 30 years ago. She was kind, funny and had such a zest for life. I absolutely adored her.

She will be forever missed.

xo Deb

Terri

Carla I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Deb but reading these comments really shows how loved she was and she lived a good life . You have shown such strength this past year and you did good 🩷

I was so very sorry to hear of Deb's passing. Her beautiful bright smile will be forever missed. Our families have a long history of friendship dating back to the Teulon days and you all hold a very special place in my heart. My sincere condolences Carla, Rhoda and family.

I am so honoured to have met Deborah. What started as a breakfast group that met (mostly) monthly over 25+ years, turned into a circle of dear friends and colleagues. And Deb, kept us organized.

Deborah, thank you for always having a shopping or decorating recommendation and for sharing your kindness and wisdom. I'm grateful to have been a part of your life.

I was lucky enough to know Deborah through Aevi where I work. she was such a bright light and a joy to talk to. I so enjoyed our conversations and valued her advice. We shared many laughs and I'll cherish those always❤️ I'll miss her very much xxoo

Lisa

So sad to hear about this, Deborah was my client at Aevi and everytime I'd do her predicures we would just laugh and talk the entire time, it's a miracle that she left the spa with polish on her toes by how much chatting we'd do. So proud of you and you'll be very missed ❤️

Deb will be greatly missed. She was a highly valued member of the team at CancerCare and her passion for her work was palpable. She was such a strong advocate for the smart use of technology in oncology and was always eager to make a change or walk us through a new process. Deb was a great colleague and friend, and had a special way of getting things accomplished. She brought a strength that made us all more diligent and smarter, and is warmly remembered.

I met Deb when she joined our little cadre of IT nurses working at OpTx. Instant friend! Over the past 30 years we have enjoyedd so many shopping trips, lunches, dinners all over wine solving the world problems of the day, She was warm, funny, smart, caring with a wicked intellect. Friends like her are golden! My husband Les came to love her as much as I did and joined in on our many chats with lots of laughter. We had our last lunch in March then saw her this summer in her home. She will be dearly missed! Sincere condolences to her family whom she loved so much. Rest in peace Deborah....and thanks for the memories!

I'm so incredibly saddened to learn of Deborah's passing. She had been a client by of mine at Aevi for too many years to count. We shared so much over the years resulting in belly laughs and of course some tears. She was such a brilliant light that will be missed indefinitely. Until we meet again my sweet friend.

I met Deb through work 25 years ago. She was a firecracker who was funny, sarcastic and witty and always made people laugh. She was such an amazing person to work with. She got me into watching Corner Gas and we would chat about that show all the time and even met up at Brent Butt's comedy shows. I am honoured to have known a special person such as yourself. Rest in peace Deb.

I was very saddened to hear of Deborah's passing. I met her at Rehfit in a Pilates class. She really loved those classes. Deborah was such a brave positive person. My deepest condolences to her Mom, sister and family. Rest in peace Deborah,

your Pilates pal. 💕

Deb you were one in a million and made our lives better. Love you and miss you forever...

When Sina called from Winnipeg to ask if I could help her friend Deborah find a place in Toronto, my reply was: "Any friend of yours is a friend of mine." How true. We became friends for life when I picked her up at the hotel that night She got a place near me and we shared many dinners and lots of talk about life, men, jobs, men, etc. When she moved home to be with Carla's growing family, we had the same conversations in our daily emails for years. On her last Sunday we talked for two and a half hours - about facing death, her estate, shopping and purging. She was quite insistent that I stop shopping and just throw out my dusty CDs. Carla, Ali, Cheryl and Kathy you were so important to her. In every text she told me she could not have gone through the past months without you. Deborah had so much to live for! My condolences to all her family and friends.

Barbara Gough, Toronto

Deb and I first met through work at Cancercare but very quickly became friends. Deb was a firecracker and never hesitated to share her opinion which I absolutely loved. Deb loved to shop and enjoyed the finer things in life and was always willing to share a good bottle of wine and chat. Deb you loved by so many and will be greatly missed.

Deborah was my best Canadian friend , my life parnter and companion. She loved life, wine and candles , sweets and cheese, laughing and comedy shows, friends and family. She was very good with children and charitable to those less fortunate . If happiness had a face that would be her face. I miss her every moment. Sometimes I walk in the rain to cover up my tears. Happy journey my redheaded bunny and catch you later.

Carla- I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister. I didn't know Deb personally but reading about her and hearing about her from you, it's clear she was an extraordinary person who meant so much to so many. I've watched you navigate an impossibly difficult year with such strength and care. Please know I'm keeping you close in my thoughts.

Deborah certainly impacted the health and quality of care for children in Canada. In 1988, she was the first nurse to teach health as a contributor in a federally funded MB province wide ECE distance education program co-sponsored by MCCA and RRCC. This became the springboard for her passion to ensure quality health practices in the care of young children. She served on the boards of day cares, co-wrote and updated (for decades) the seminal Canadian ECE health textbook. These contributions are a true legacy.

Deborah, a trailblazer in ECE, health education, health technology and... in fashion. We are fortunate to have shared her passion and light.. She will be missed and fondly remembered as a colleague and longtime friend. Condolences to all who loved her.

Sina Romsa

We are so heartbroken that Deborah left this world far too early. While in Toronto, Deborah was such a part of our family, writing the textbook with Barb, celebrating holidays such as Hallowe'en, Christmas, birthdays, and more. We'll always have such fond memories of our times together.

Our thoughts are with you at this time.

Michael, Taryn and Taylor