Deborah Angela Lefebre

Meeting someone as unique as Deb Lefebre was like meeting a wildflower in the garden for the first time. Deb left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed her path. I will forever remember Deb when I see Bear's Breeches and Cosmos, two wildflowers that Deb loved and had many stories to share about her connection to them. Those flowers also brought us together. I had the immense opportunity to work with Deb to help recreate a pollinator garden on her property. We all need someone like Deb in our life to be reminded of the wild things that make life worth fighting for and celebrating. I will miss you always, Deb Lefebre. Love always, Carlotta James

When I was a Children's Librarian at the Westmount Library I asked Debbie to be part of our Celebrity Storytime event at the library. She graciously accepted. She was the star. I loved watching Debbie interact with the children. She was a very special person.

Debbie was the principal who finally hired me to a permanent contract with TVDSB as a secretary at Lorne Avenue Public School. She was an amazing person, both in her profession and how she guided students and staff and also in her personal pursuits. I enjoyed the time I was privileged to work with her and appreciated her great sense of humour - it got us through a lot of interesting days at work! She will be missed, I'm sure.

I worked with Debbie at Byron Somerset in my role as a School Psychologist. She was a vibrant, caring and compassionate principal with the strength to deal with challenging situations in the best way. I believe her super power was the ability to connect with people, of all ages, to listen and truly understand them and their needs. And that sense of humour! It was always a pleasure to spend time with her. I am very saddened at her passing but I will always remember her with a smile.

Dear family and friends, it is always very hard dealing with loss. Debbie was a wonderful neighbour and just such a great person. She knew what she loved and was put her heart and soul into those.. family, friends, students, animals (especially her birds) , nature in general, along with other things. We will miss her but are happy she is in a better place and hope she looks down on our little neighbourhood from time to time.

Deb was a lovely woman. We were blessed to have her as a Principal at one of the schools where we taught. We loved hearing about the various fledgling birds which the kids brought to her. She sometimes walked out with them to retrace their steps and put the little birds back. At times though, she realized the need to raise them herself, and took on this roll, despite her work load. We remember her mentioning at least two of her "pet" Starlings, one in particular named, Talbot, who she was able to teach to talk. Well, a few words anyway. After we all retired, we kept in touch and were so pleased she took on the work with Chimney Swifts, an endangered species in Canada, and helped so many of them to survive to adulthood.

I was saddened to hear of Debbie’s death and wanted to share some of my recollections of this remarkable woman. I knew Debbie in her role as school administrator, witnessing many times her deft handling of challenging situations. Every person, child or adult, upon entering her office would be treated with the utmost kindness and respect. For Debbie a good outcome was when people left feeling she understood their concerns. She knew us better than we knew ourselves and would quickly have us seeing the right course of action. Debbie didn’t just rescue animals, she rescued people too. She gave them a place to stand and thrive. She encouraged everyone to see and appreciate their own unique qualities. Debbie was a true mentor- more interested in your life than sharing her own….although the occasional mention of “her boys” would bring a smile. She liked to hear your plans and provided wise counsel and encouragement. Debbie had a great sense of humour and I never knew a day we didn’t laugh.I only worked with her for a couple of years but have a huge collection of great memories that warm my heart. Thank you Debbie for blessing my life!

I am deeply saddened to read of Debbie’s passing. She was principal at Lorne Ave. PS where I was a teacher. She was extremely supportive of staff, loved the students and had a wicked sense of humour that helped us get through challenging times. She always shared a comic or joke in weekly staff newsletters, one of which is still on my fridge. Her love of animals was always evident. I found a deserted baby raccoon, called Debbie, and was told to bring it with me to school. She kept it in her office, nurtured it for the day, and taught me how to care for it. She was truly an amazing principal and person with a great love of animals. My deepest condolences to her family and close friends. I know she will be missed.

My heart aches. There was not a single person on this Earth like you. Such incredibly witty humor, able to catch on to anyone’s hint of sarcasm and carry on the conversation to the same tune. You gave me endless laughs, invaluable life advice, hugs, granola bars at work so I wouldn’t go hungry. You gave so much of your life to others- kids and animals. I will cherish all of my memories with you forever. Fly amongst the swifts. I love you!

Debbie hired me in 1999 at Lorne Ave. P.S. In the interview she was witty, cracking jokes, and laughing so hard that I knew I wanted to work with her. That I did!! Debbie hired me and I never looked back! Debbie could always be found making staff and students laugh. She had an incredible sense of humour and even at our wedding, she rode the tricycle that was set up to make us kiss, nearly falling off as she whipped around the dance floor. I will never forget that. The world has lost a lovely, spunky, and kind lady.

I will honor her memory as an expert on chimney swifts, always ready to gently advise me on their care and rehabilitation. Our connection extended beyond the border, through our mutual love for wildlife. Namaste, Debbie. Always in my heart.