DEBRA ANNE BELANGER

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DEBRA ANNE (DEBBIE) BELANGER (nee GUSTAFSON) February 5, 1955 - April 28, 2017 Debra Anne (Debbie) Bélanger passed away at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg on April 28, 2017, at the age of 62, after a lengthy illness. Debbie left us far too soon but lives on in the memories of her husband Paul, son Daniel, mother Braunda Gustafson, sisters Diana Gustafson (Richard Kater), Barbie Gustafson and Wanda Gustafson, sister-in-law Jacqueline Bélanger, her nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, and her many friends, including "the Penelopes" - Laurel, Karen, Phyllis, Roslyn, Cathy and Ellen. Debbie was born February 5, 1955 in Gainsborough, Saskatchewan. She was very proud of her prairie roots and her connection to the family farm there. One of her favourite memories was of sitting in the farmyard and watching stars and satellites as they crossed the big sky at night. We will think of her when we gaze at the stars. As a small child, Debbie was an "observer", sitting on the sidelines (sometimes in her wagon) and watching children play. This was a skill she honed later for her journalistic career. She had a strong sense of justice and loyalty. She and her younger sister Barbie were inseparable as little girls and even dressed alike. She once refused to go to a birthday party unless Barbie was invited too. Debbie had a very successful career and made a real difference in each of her workplaces. She had a journalism degree from Ryerson University in Toronto and shortly after graduating got a job as a reporter in Grand Prairie, Alberta. Debbie left Grande Prairie for a job at the Brandon Sun and it was there that she met Lee Clark, who became the Member of Parliament for the area. Debbie moved to Ottawa and launched her career in government working in his office. She moved from Parliament Hill to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and held positions with increasing responsibility throughout her career. While at AAFC, she moved to Winnipeg to set up a communications team to support the National Grains Bureau. Senior managers took notice of her talent and she could have easily remained in Ottawa and enjoyed many promotions. Instead, she chose to stay in Winnipeg where she enjoyed spending time with her many friends and her life with Paul. There are a number of communications professionals in Winnipeg who went to "The School of Debbie" and learned so much working with her. Being coached by Debbie was not like being coached for some recreational league - it was like being coached for the Olympics! You worked hard and she brought out the very best in you. After leaving government, Debbie worked briefly with the CBC, the University of Manitoba and the RCMP. She was very proud of her work with the RCMP and in her final days continued to wear the watch she received from them. The Deputy Commissioner of the RCMP at the time said that Debbie was the best communicator he had ever worked with and she was very proud of that compliment. Her last career move was with the Canola Council of Canada as Director of Communications. She loved the work and especially the team of people there. Debbie met Paul when she was on language training and they married on July 9, 1994. She had moved 27 times in her lifetime and Paul "stopped her in her tracks". They lived for many years in Norwood Flats. They complemented each other well, with Paul being a homebody and Debbie being an adventurous spirit. Early in their relationship, she famously asked Paul at the We Fest country music festival - "Don't you know how to have fun?" They did have fun and shared many wonderful trips together, with Greece and Italy being among their favourites. Even though Debbie didn't like camping, she went on camping trips, graduating from the "Elf Tent" that she and Paul shared early on in their courtship to a camper. She also liked going on the scary rides at fairs and at Disney World in Florida. Debbie loved gardening and dreamed of working in a greenhouse. If you visited her home in the early spring, the basement was full of plants coming to life under fluorescent bulbs and complex colour coded maps outlining her gardening plans. She had a back yard worthy of "Better Homes and Gardens". Debbie very much wanted a family and that wish was answered when Daniel was born on July 28, 1998. Debbie loved Daniel to the moon and back and maybe even a little further. She took delight in his progress and accomplishments. She was a tremendous advocate for her son and would stop at nothing to make his life better. It is so very hard to say goodbye to you Miss Deb but we are comforted knowing you are now at peace. You were the funniest person we ever knew. Even in your last days, you made us laugh. You were immensely talented and "all in" on every project you ever undertook. You loved fiercely and fought hard for those you loved. You will forever live in our hearts. A memorial service celebrating Debbie's life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12 at Windsor Park United Church, 1062 Autumnwood. In lieu of flowers, and if friends so desire, donations in Debbie's memory may be made to the Mental Health component of the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 06, 2017