It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved
Debbie who passed away at the Toronto General Hospital at the age of 70.
She will always be remembered by her siblings, Maureen, Colleen (Jeff), Sharon, Sheila, and Bobby (Sandy), her nephew, Robert, (Samantha), nieces Alexandra (Isaac) and Alexandra Bell, great niece Addison, many cousins and friends.
Debbie was born in Montreal and she grew up in Chateauguay, Quebec where she spent summer days with her siblings at the neighbourhood pool, exploring Pine woods, rowing, fishing, catching frogs, and snakes with her brother Bobby before releasing them back into the fields. She especially enjoyed gardening in her backyard with her cherished parents, Lex and Lenora, and her sweet Springer Spaniel, Candy.
One of the highlights of Debbie’s life was her year-long excursion through Europe at the age of 20. It was filled with unforgettable experiences.She along with her sister, Colleen and a friend flew to Portugal where they began an amazing adventure. They spent the first three months living in the Algarve where Debbie would visit the local fish market in the morning to prepare many wonderful seafood dishes. After leaving Portugal, they ventured through England and worked in London which added a unique twist giving her a taste of city life. They went to Belgium and bought a Volkswagen van in Brussels which became a perfect way to explore many European countries. The trip also took them to the Scandinavian countries where she worked in a hospital in Norway. On her days off, Debbie enjoyed sailing and exploring scenic fjords in a catamaran with newfound friends. The escapade continued and in Switzerland she found work in a lovely French restaurant surrounded by the Swiss Alps where she perfected her culinary skills making dishes such as cheese fondue, raclette and Rosti.
As a young woman after her travels, Deb moved to downtown Toronto, where she followed her lifelong passion for cooking, starting her own catering business “La Belle Cuisine.” She left a lasting impression on everyone she met with her brilliant sense of humour, keen observations of life and innate charm.
Debbie lived her life with style and grace. She loved classic black-and-white films, brunch at the Windsor arms, and she appreciated the work of great artists from the French impressionists to Emily Carr.
Some of Deb's best memories were the wonderful times she spent with her family for the holidays. She experienced great joy playing with her nephew Robert and niece, Alex celebrating birthdays, carving pumpkins, Easter egg hunts and taking care of them. She was thrilled when her niece, Alexandra Bell and her great niece Addison were born. There were so many heartwarming moments to remember.
Deb had a keen sense of fairness and honesty, and the most generous of hearts. She was the most loyal friend who would always have your back.
Debbie was so loved and she will be deeply missed. She has crossed over from this earth to take her place among the stars where she will be the brightest and most beautiful star of all.
A private Celebration Of Life will be held at a later date.