I first set eyes on Deb in September 1978 at the school bus stop. She wore a brown duffle coat, had thick blonde hair and the most beautiful large blue eyes. I was instantly in love!
We grew up with a great deal of freedom. With our other friends we roamed about everywhere at all hours doing things we were not supposed to do but that teenagers do anyway.
After school Deb and I stayed in touch regularly. Deb always wanted to have lots of children and to work with children and this is what she did. Over the years I used to drop in on her and her family. A little before Anna was born they all came to stay with me in Scotland. I was untrained in the ways of children, and it was a bit of a shock, but it was also fabulous.
In October 2019 I went to Ross Street one morning and found that Deb was at home, and it was her birthday! She was delighted that I had remembered. Actually, I hadn’t, it was pure accident, but we went out for a great lunch and catch-up!
Since then, we had been talking much more frequently, most weeks, and sharing what had been going on for each of us in our lives in the deep and open way that sometimes only very old friends can do.
Some of that period was difficult for her and she was wrestling with how to spend more time with family, a new puppy, friends, and nature, and I am glad that she managed to do a lot of this.
Deb was so very proud of and delighted by all her children and used to tell me about what each was doing and the plans they had. It was like a dream come true for her when Miles, Izzy and Clara moved to Cambridge.
Deb was never a taker, she was one of life’s givers.
In a “chilled out” kind of way she was courageous with a quiet dignity, humour, and wisdom.
I feel fortunate to have spent my teen years with Deb.
A teenage infatuation on my part, matured into a lifelong friendship.
I already miss her greatly.
With much love and sadness that it was so soon, rest in peace Deb.
Dave
18/05/2022
