It is with profound sadness that the family of Debbie Lynn Leggett announces her unexpected passing at the age of 44 years.

 

She will be deeply missed by Darrin Letwin, her devoted partner of nine years; mother Patricia Jane Berney; brother Garrod Andrew Berney; step-dad Michael Berney and step-son Kurtis Letwin.  She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Mary and George Garrod and aunt Janet Reid.

 

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, 2017 in the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road. There will be a brief program starting at about 2:30 p.m.

 

Debbie was born in Edmonton, Alberta at the Royal Alexandra Hospital on Wednesday, March 28, 1973 at 9:36 am. Debbie and her mom, Pat returned to Winnipeg when Debbie was one and a half years old.

 

Debbie was high spirited as a child with a constant curiosity for life which continued to grow into adulthood.  She was always exploring and loved interacting with others. Debbie’s teenage years were an experience for all who loved her, always challenging herself and all members of the family. She used her endless energy when negotiating/advocating for shopping resources, extended curfews and pajama parties with her many friends.  These strategies wore down her unsuspecting parents. These strengths would be the foundation for her life’s work.

 

She attended Kent Road, Chief Peguis and River East Colligate before attending the University of Manitoba. Her Bachelor of Human Ecology Degree launched her into the Social Services World. After a very short stint at Winnipeg Child and Family Services, she came home one day and proudly announced that she would be working at the Crisis Unit in Selkirk. This was the beginning to what would become an amazing career as a Social Services Professional.

 

Debbie worked in Crisis, Adolescent Mental Health, Child and Family Services, Adult Mental Health and during her time in Churchill, managed the Wellness Unit which included CFS, Mental Health Issues and Addictions. With her work she traveled to several communities in Nunavut in both a Mental Health and Child Welfare role.

 

Debbie’s unique perspective on life, her charismatic energy, amazing sense of humour and genuine warmth left a lasting impression. Her magnetic energy captivated others as she entertained with her witticisms.  When needed Debbie could inject humour into an intense situation and provide relief.  She had the wonderful ability to laugh at herself and others too, to ease and bring comfort.

 

After returning from Churchill, Debbie spent her summers at Gull Lake with beloved Darren and Kurtis and often said these were some of the best times of her life.  She relaxed and played before the major work of house building began. 

 

Debbie in her adult years had several health challenges from polycystic ovaries which she continued to suffer with until she was granted relief and then had a bout with cancer.  She bravely fought and won and was given a clean bill of health. She was not one to give in to any of these challenges and when necessary, as my girl always did, would stand tall and with grace.

 

Debbie had just begun a new job with the Province of Manitoba and was so happy.  She quickly took her place in the office and began her work as if she had never been away from it. There was a sense of accomplishment; that she had found her place again in the social services world.

 

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all of the friends, extended family and colleagues who have been a part of Debbie’s life.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Winnipeg, The Winnipeg Humane Society or pet rescue of one's choice would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

 

She was one of a kind, not to be replicated.

We love you. We miss you, Darling Debbie.