Debra Waterston

We see tangible beauty…..in facial features, body shape, a work of art, a piece of music or words of a song, majestic mountains, a blood red sunset, turquoise waters lapping on a pristine beach, glittering diamonds crusting a snow covered landscape, idyllic countryside, impossibly hued flowers in a serene garden and the burnt orange ( her favourite colour) carpet of fallen leaves in autumn. But true beauty is intangible. It is pure and perfect and resides in the heart and the soul. It is putting all others before herself. It is a rich, wholesome and appreciative love of her mother, Elsie. It is all the encompassing love of her sister Lana, born not out of duty or responsibility, but nurtured from caring, sharing and bearing her burden. She looked upon her cousin, Barb, as a rock, a mentor and closer than a second sister. She was filled to overflowing with pride at the blossoming into strength of her daughter Michelle. This was fully matched by the wonder she felt at the growth and accomplishments of her grandsons, Amari and Mekhi. It often seemed she would burst from joy as she boasted of their respective achievements. Every single person whose path she crossed, whether for an instant or longer term, in whatever capacity, was left so much richer than they ever realized. Every path a thread. Every thread woven into the marvellous mosaic that was her life. She found birds with broken wings and mended them. She was an amalgam of so many opposites, each complimenting the other. She was an organizer and leader, but followed attentively when needed. She spoke freely, with conviction, but more importantly listened and understood. She was trusting, but trustworthy. She would speak in public, dance without inhibition, but be shy and recluse when the spotlight shone on her. She was as resilient as hardened steel, while remaining as fragile as a gossamer butterfly. She protected so many, but liked to be cared for herself. She endured more hardships than many, but her unwavering faith in God helped her through, especially in her ultimate challenge. She was always unassuming and modesty was her greatest asset. She would be hopelessly embarrassed if she would be even slightly aware of the unfillable void she has left in so many of us. Debra is forever my confidante and my friend. Perhaps the best compliment I can offer is that she is still a mystery to me. She started on October 18th, but didn’t finish on April 4th. She left behind an immortal legacy and to honour it: Care for others. Support women’s shelters. Fight for equality for women, until it is no longer a topic, it just is. At times like this, words are so hopelessly inadequate, So just remember what she always said, “Every day we are given is a blessing”.

Deb will be missed terribly by everyone who knew her. She was always so cheerful and caring. Our group of BMO friends will remember her with great fondness and sorrow. RIP dear sweet Deb. We all love you.

Michelle and Family: Please accept my heartfelt Sympathy on your Mom's, grandmother's and sister's passing. May your love for Debbie live on in your hearts and may her soul rest in eternal peace with our Heavenly Father, her Mom and Sister.

My heartfelt condolences to Michelle. Amari, Meikhi. Barb and Family! In these moments, when there are no words, know that the ones we love remain beside us, now and always! Debra had the most beautiful smile! She would light up our gym classes. Her positivity, her generosity will always be remembered. I will miss our coffee/tea times at Tim's after gym classes and all the visits we shared during her illness R.I.P.

My sincere condolences and sympathies to Michele and your amazing boys. I worked with Deb for many years at BMO. A truly amazing and positive woman. She will be truly missed.

My condolences to the family. Deb’s positivity and beautiful smile will be great missed at 925 Lawson.

My sincere condolences go out to the family, daughter Michelle, grandsons, Amari & Mekhi as well as to the Graham family; cousin Barb, Les, Amanda, Andrew & Morgan, Adam & all other family members. Deb was truly an inspiration to all with her positive attitude & constant smile, as well as her generosity. She will be remembered lovingly. With her kind spirit she was constantly thinking of how she could make everyone else’s life better. I will miss her daily shares on FB as to “have a nice day”. Even in her own pain it was something she did without thought to send a positive message to family & friends. The love for her family was truly an inspiration. I am truly blessed to call you my friend & I will miss you everyday. RIP Deb.

My sincere condolences go out to the family, daughter Michelle, grandsons, Amari & Mekhi as well as to the Graham family; cousin Barb, Les, Amanda, Andrew & Morgan, Adam & all other family members. Deb was truly an inspiration to all with her positive attitude & constant smile, as well as her generosity. She will be remembered lovingly. With her kind spirit she was constantly thinking of how she could make everyone else’s life better. I will miss her daily shares on FB as to “have a nice day”. Even in her own pain it was something she did without thought to send a positive message to family & friends. The love for her family was truly an inspiration. I am truly blessed to call you my friend & I will miss you everyday. RIP Deb. ❤️

As Deb's client for many years, there was never a time when she wasn't bright and enthusiastic about dealing with any serious bank matter at hand. Business over, we'd then laughingly talk for awhile about our families, flowerbeds and maybe even that crazy deer that leapt over her new car ("What was it thinking?"). With fond memories of Deb, Cam Paton

Deb was one of the nicest people I had the pleasure to work with. Always happy and very considerate to both her staff and customers. She tried her best to make the workplace a fun one….we will miss you Deb

You will be missed Deb. I enjoyed all our dancing together at Zumba and our times out with the gang. You were one of a kind , generous, beautiful and loved by all. RIP my friend.

A truly kind and gentle soul, my condolences, Vicki Millman

My condolences to Michelle, Amari, Mekhi and the whole family for your tragic loss. Deb talked about her grandsons with so much pride, and such fierce love. Deb attended my class at Goodlife for many years and she became a dear friend to me and so many in the class. She was always at the front dancing, smiling and vibing to the music. She always greeted new participants and made them feel comfortable with her beautiful smile and amazing positivity. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Her thoughtfulness and kindness are a part of me know, and I will cherish and honor that. Deb, you are so missed.

I will miss you Deb, especially our little talks we had every chance we had. You are an inspiration. You shared love & respect to all that came into your life. You were positive and always thought the best & said "All would be OK! Rest in peace, dear friend, I will miss you. Yvonne Houle

Rest in peace lovely Debra. Remembering her in our exercise class. She was very welcoming to newcomers. I loved her dancing and beautiful smile. You are truly missed. 🙏

So sad to hear of Deb’s passing. Sincere condolences to the Graham family and to Miche and boys. Thinking of you all.

Debbie and I lived oceans apart, but ot felt like she was next door every time we connected. She was an amazing grandmother, one who was very present and involved. I admired her relationship with her daughter. We all have mothers, but not all of us have good mothers. Debbie was a good mother. She was also a good friend, and a caring person. One of the things I will always remember, is her smile. May she rest peacefully with the ancestors and other loved-ones. 💖

Deb was an inspiration to me and her fellow aerobic sisters. She always had a smile on her face and was never down about anything. I will always remember her positive attitude. Rest in peace Deb. I know you are in a better place. My sincere condolences to your family.