Moving to Burlington in 1977 was the beginning of Deb’s life. After moving from the big city of Toronto, having someone on the street smile and say hello was shocking for a painfully shy girl of 20. From that small experience emerged a new Deb. First working for a national accounting firm and then owning her own business Deb learned the business side of life and the importance of organization and professionalism, but discovered she had a craving to help and communicate with people on a more personal level. Married to a fine man, a police officer, Deb was introduced to many sides of life and soon pursued volunteer activities in Big Sisters and the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, eventually becoming president of the Chamber from 1997-1998. During that time she also wrote regular articles for the local paper and the Hamilton Spectator. As her term finished another door opened and Deb was soon co-hosting and co-producing a community talk show called Neighbour to Neighbour for TV Cogeco. In the third year of the show, life took a huge turn for Deb. After 23 years of marriage Deb and her husband parted ways. Deb and her 17 year old daughter, Heather, moved to a new home and a new life. During a taping of the show Deb’s life turned again when she interviewed a musician who touched her heart and soul, Gerry Tymstra. As they began their relationship, and after six months of pushing doctors to find the answer, Deb was diagnosed with breast cancer. Six months of chemotherapy and radiation followed her operation to remove the cancerous cells in her breast and lymph nodes. Deb credits the support and love of her family and closest friends, together with the healing power of music, with a successful recovery.

Life is what it should be now. Full of love and family and fun. When she isn’t working, Deb enjoys music, riding, as a passenger, on Gerry’s motorcycle, traveling, writing, walking by the lake and visiting with friends. But the happiest times are those spent with her new husband and their daughters, Heather, Dalis and Crystal and their families, including their first grandchild, three month old Connor.