It is with great sadness that the family of Debbie Gelleny announce her passing after an incredibly brave battle with cancer. Debbie slipped away peacefully at home in Gibsons with her family beside her on Wednesday, July 25, 2018.
Debbie was born in Collingwood, Ontario to Howard and Mary Louise Schleifer and had a wonderful childhood growing up with her siblings Tommy, David and Lilly. She cherished her childhood summers in Northern Ontario at Glen Bernard Camp and often reflected fondly on her time at Bishop Strachan School as well as doing her undergraduate at York University.
Debbie moved to Gibsons from Ontario with her husband Lorne seven years ago as they fell in love with the west coast. Debbie had a very successful 30 year career in insurance and held many senior executive positions with RSA Insurance. Debbie found a passion for business and embraced her talent for the industry starting in her father’s insurance brokerage firm in Collingwood. Debbie was instrumental in building the Women In Insurance Cancer Crusade while in Ontario.
Debbie loved the outdoors. She had a passion for skiing and spent most winter weekends skiing at the Osler Bluff Ski Club in Collingwood. Later in life, she embraced the challenge of learning how to play golf and became very good at it. Debbie enjoyed to read and spend time at the SSC Festival of the Written Arts.
She will best be remembered by the community of Gibsons for her keen and enthusiastic involvement on the Newcomers Club and the Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club Board of Directors, as well as many clubs and activities she shared with her close friends.
Debbie will always have a place in the hearts of her husband Lorne, her two children Meagan and Thom, her brother and sister and the many lives that she touched on the Sunshine Coast.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 17th at 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Gibsons Public Market.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the BC Cancer Society in memory of Debbie’s brave fight.
Donations may be made to:
Canadian Cancer Society
55 St Clair Avenue West, Toronto ON
Tel: 1-888-939-3333
Web: www.cancer.ca/en/donate/?region=on
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Debbie Gelleny July 14 1951 July 25 2018 (age 67)..
Décès pour la Ville: Gibsons, Province: Colombie britanique
