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Continued: <u><i><b>MEMORIALS:
</b></i></u>DEBORAH ANN SPOONER WALLACE - 1952-2002 - BELOVED DAUGHTER -TREASURED SISTER - CHERISHED WIFE- ADORED MOTHER
<i><b>RACHEL WALLACE - DAUGHTER
</b></i>To my Mom, my Best Friend and my keeper of my hopes and dreams: Believing that there is hope in the midst of a storm. Believing the calm will eventually come. Believing that there is light after each night seems not to compare to what I feel. You were my light after each night. You were my calm and my hope. I needed you there to see me through, through those times in my life when I was most afraid. And now I look forward onto a time where I need you most, like today, where my life seems to be shattered and my hopes seem to be gone. And I am afraid because you are not here. But as I stop to think and somewhere amidst this I seem to have realized that your memory is still living and breathing. I seem not to be looking for your words of advice or your comforting touch, but just in your spirit, which I have found within me. Strength, happiness and above all love. These qualities are what you have left me with, and what I seem to be relying on. So now taking a breath and looking forward once more I see a time where I no longer need you because I have you inside, my life no longer seems to be in pieces but whole and my hopes once again affirmed. I know in time this tranquility will come and I no longer will be shedding these tears of anguish and despair. Because you will be there like you are here with me today.
<i><b>JOHN WALLACE - SON
</b></i>Every morning when I would wake up and you were there. You would softly rub my head and quietly whisper, "Good morning John." I would barely be awake, but I always knew that you were there and everything in those first few moments of the day were perfect. Every moment I ever shared with you was perfect, because that's what you are. However, the one thing most perfect about you, was your heart. It is so beautiful, so strong, and yet so gentle. Every word that you spoke came from that one place, and that made each one worth listening to. Even if sometimes those words did seem a bit odd, it was okay, because you're mom, and that's what we'd expect from you. Being a mom was so special and so important to you. You took pride in raising us and put your heart and soul into everything you taught us. You taught Rachel and I so much, not just about cooking and cleaning but about life, love and all the ups and downs. You also understood me, even better than I understood myself. You always knew where I was coming from and my reasoning behind my actions even if you didn't agree. I will never forget any moment I ever shared with you, every time we touched, laughed or even just smiled at one another, it was so precious, so beautiful. Those will be the moments that get me through the darkest days and calm the rain after the storm. That's what you did for me and will continue to do. You will be with me through everything, holding my hand, sharing my every triumph and guiding me through every tribulation. You were here with me from the beginning and you'll be here to the end, in all of us, every single person you ever touched. I only had 14 years with you but that was enough to know just how amazing you are. You are remarkable and words cannot even begin to describe just how much I love you. Thank you for loving me and thank you for being my best friend. Most of all, thank you for being my mom. I hope you dance, cause I will.
<i><b>DIANE APEL - SISTER
</b></i>DEBORAH ANN SPOONER WALLACE: Some called her Deborah, some Debbie - some called her Mother, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Friend - but we all called her Loved! A smile, a laugh, a kindness, a friendly encouragement --she was always ready to go the extra mile for family, friend, neighbor or stranger. I was 8 years old when the youngest sister and 3rd of their 5 children was born to Con and Ness Spooner in Thunder Bay. She was the prettiest baby I had ever seen, with her dark curly hair and huge soft brown eyes. Debbie was always happy and full of joy - an easy baby who was a delight to have in our family. Her first years were spend amidst a large, rambunctious group of Spooners. Family picnics, summers at the cottage, water and snow skiing, Brownies, church, school and cousins were all part of her carefree childhood. She was an excellent student with a probing and quick mind, who brought her cheerful smile and laughing ways with her as she blithely made her way through her young years. By 12 she was a tall string bean, who carried a sleeve of soda crackers everywhere she went, even to bed. Of course she drank gallons of milk to wash them down, and this became a lifelong habit! The 3 sisters shared a bedroom with a cold tile floor, and Debbie was afraid unknown creatures hid underneath the beds, so she would leap from bed to bed to get to hers, jumping over sleeping sisters and dropping soda cracker crumbs as she went. As the oldest and of course the baby sitter, I was never allowed to fall asleep for fear of the lurking critters under the beds. One night she kept insisting she had lost her frog, until I convinced her she was dreaming and to go back to sleep. Her teenage years brought a family move to Ottawa, where Debbie entered high school and was a good scholar, but still managed to make many friends.
Her years at Carleton University weren't always experiences she shared with her family, but traditionally she entertained her many friends at our home for the annual Carleton-Ottawa U Football game with a huge party where she made her famous ‘lasagna'. As she moved into young womanhood and her first job, she often raced up and down the 401 in her tiny vintage Honda, keeping in touch with her far-flung family and friends. She was thrilled to become Aunt Debbie when Michael, the first grandchild was born in Windsor, and she rushed to see the baby - and thus began her special love of babies and children. In 1979 Deb and I bravely attacked the Old World when we visited Scotland, England and Ireland - two crazy Canadian girls trying desperately to remember to stay on the wrong side of the road. Debbie never got the hang of a manual choke or making a right turn from the wrong lane, and she constantly flooded the car and hit the curb on her turns, but soon became adept at joining the locals in making a third lane where none had existed - with peril to life, limb and livestock. Florida was our next great adventure, and we took the first of our many wonderful vacations to the warmth, sunshine and Disney World in 1981, to be followed by many special sister and family times in that fun State, with much shared laughter and funny stories over the years. She walked down the aisle amidst a Winter Wonderland of red and white when she married Ron Wallace in 1983 and became Debbie Wallace. As her family and friends watched on, her life happily evolved to one of Devoted Wife and Doting Mother -- the role she was meant to play. She answered to many names -- everyone called her something different. We just called her Our Sister Deb - and thus she will remain in our hearts.
<i><b>ALAN MOTE - MASONS
</b></i>Let me say what an honour and privilege it is for me to speak about our dear, loving friend, Debbie, and add to our celebration of her life, amongst us. Her friendship has been a cherished possession for all who know her, whether it be as family, through her "work" relationships, the "Masonic" order, or in any other way.
I can remember back to my first meeting with Debbie. It was at the Wallace home after Ron's Installation as W.M of Mt. Zion Lodge in December 1992. It may have been a "men's" celebration but Debbie's presence was felt. Debbie exuded all her familiar characteristics from our very first encounter, - dynamic, warm, influential, persuasive, friendly, and genuine, - a true lover of people! Ron, Jim Singer, Bill Ireland and myself were all installed into the Chair of King Solomon within those two months, and had already built a strong, personal "bond" amongst ourselves. But after a very short time it became obvious that the same bond was being forged amongst our spouses. Perhaps in the shadows of Masonry from a physical perspective, but, certainly in the forefront, as far as molding us as brothers among men, and in helping to direct our actions, as Masters of our respective Lodges. We all did very well that year, thanks in no small part to the support of Debbie, and our wives. When our year was completed, we felt it only fitting to carry on with our "elite group" not only to "re-hash" the great experiences we all had, but to allow our wives to enjoy, with us, all of these same experiences, made possible in no small part by these ladies. Our annual Brunch for the '92 Masters is still a highlight of our year together, and Debbie quickly assumed a "key" organizing role, for this event. Over the last nine (9) years, the Singers, the Motes and the Irelands, have gotten to know Debbie as well as anybody has, and we all love and respect her, and always will. Debbie as we might expect, has been the driving force behind Ron in attaining his personal goal of becoming District Deputy. Ron is making an indelible impression on Masons, at large, through his work this year, and to that extent, we are all reaping the benefits of Debby's influence, through Ron's words and actions. Sadly, for reasons and motives far beyond the comprehension of us here today, Debbie is no longer, physically in our presence, but rest assured, we can expect that Debbie will carry on with whatever challenges and responsibilities that our Great Architect may expect of her, in the same enthusiastic manner, and will take pride in following all of our future actions and successes here on Earth. Yes, Debbie will be missed by all of us, on a "human" level, but her spirit will carry on around us, in the words and deeds of Ron, Rachel and John, and in the pleasant memories of all of us who came to know and love her. We, who are left here on Earth must "move forward" and fulfill our commitments as God has charged us all to do. Ron will successfully fulfill the role of "dual" parent and "best friend" for Rachel & John - a job made much easier by the influence and teachings that Debbie has instilled in them. Ron will fulfill his obligations as DDGM of Ontario District - we need his presence and influence as he needs all of us. Jim & Mary, Bill & Charl, and Pauline and I need him. Need him to keep our "bond" intact - to keep the spirit alive in all of us. Debbie gave us so much in advance, we all must now dig a little deeper, to ensure that what Debbie has left us, will not go to waste.
<i><b>TONI BAGNATO - ROYAL BANK
</b></i>For those of you who don't know me my name is Tony Bagnato. I had the honour and privilege of working with Debbie for 3 years in the late 90's. Ron, Rachel and John asked me to speak about Debbie on behalf of her friends at Royal Bank. Debbie was a career Royal banker who dedicated 26 years to her customers and colleagues, the last eleven at Whitby Main branch. But what I really need to share with you is the Debbie that we will always remember. The Debbie that we all grew to respect, trust and admire. It is often said that you spend as much or more time at work with your colleagues as you do at home with your family. Debbie's way of dealing with this was to treat her colleagues and clients not only as friends but more often than not as family. The Debbie I will always remember put everyone else and their problems ahead of her own needs; The Debbie I will always remember was never shy in telling me what I, and Royal Bank, needed to do differently; The Debbie I will always remember helped everyone else finish their days work before finishing her own; The Debbie I will always remember took care of Anthony Reino's son when his wife was delivering their second child and he was unexpectedly hospitalized; The Debbie I will always remember was the first one to greet, hold and kiss every baby who entered the branch..…whether she knew the parents or not!! The Debbie I will always remember was recognized in 2000 as the best "teller" by Oshawa/Whitby This Week a fact that was not lost on our Executive Vice President at the time who wrote in a personal note to Debbie that said (quote) "being recognized by the community is a clear demonstration of the outstanding service you provide your customers." We always knew Debbie had a special gift with her customers…we're just pleased they took the time to recognize it; But the Debbie I will always remember is the one whose face lit up every morning when she gave me my daily update about one of John's plays or one of Rachel's soccer games. We miss you Debbie….God Bless!
From her second cousin, Bob Cavan:
Extremely sad news about Debbie. We remember going to university dances together in 1st year (Carleton University) and timid to go alone because we didn't know anybody. I remember the engineers in my class would suddenly all want to be my friend and Debbie loved dancing with us all..... I am very saddened by the loss. (email Dec. 18, 2008)
-- MERGED NOTE ------------
Medical: Debbie had a congenital heart valve defect. Suffered minor strokes at age 39, treated with Cumadin until a valve replacement was deemed necessary. Her death was called unrelated to the above.
DEBORAH ANN SPOONER WALLACE
1952-2002
BELOVED DAUGHTER
TREASURED SISTER
CHERISHED WIFE
ADORED MOTHER
RACHEL WALLACE - DAUGHTER
To my Mom, my Best Friend and my keeper of my hopes and dreams:
Believing that there is hope in the midst of a storm. Believing the calm will eventually come. Believing that there is light after each night seems not to compare to what I feel. You were my light after each night. You were my calm and my hope. I needed you there to see me through, through those times in my life when I was most afraid. And now I look forward onto a time where I need you most, like today, where my life seems to be shattered and my hopes seem to be gone. And I am afraid because you are not here. But as I stop to think and somewhere amidst this I seem to have realized that your memory is still living and breathing. I seem not to be looking for your words of advice or your comforting touch, but just in your spirit, which I have found within me.
Strength, happiness and above all love. These qualities are what you have left me with, and what I seem to be relying on. So now taking a breath and looking forward once more I see a time where I no longer need you because I have you inside, my life no longer seems to be in pieces but whole and my hopes once again affirmed. I know in time this tranquility will come and I no longer will be shedding these tears of anguish and despair. Because you will be there like you are here with me today.
JOHN WALLACE - SON
Every morning when I would wake up and you were there. You would softly rub my head and quietly whisper, "Good morning John." I would barely be awake, but I always knew that you were there and everything in those first few moments of the day were perfect. Every moment I ever shared with you was perfect, because that's what you are. However, the one thing most perfect about you, was your heart. It is so beautiful, so strong, and yet so gentle. Every word that you spoke came from that one place, and that made each one worth listening to. Even if sometimes those words did seem a bit odd, it was okay, because you're mom, and that's what we'd expect from yon
Being a mom was so special and so important to you. You took pride in raising us and put your heart and soul into everything you taught us. You taught Rachel and I so much, not just about cooking and cleaning but about life, love and all the ups and downs.
You also understood me, even better than I understood myself. You always knew where I was coming from and my reasoning behind my actions even if you didn't agree.
I will never forget any moment I ever shared with you, every time we touched, laughed or even just smiled at one another, it was so precious, so beautiful. Those will be the moments that get me through the darkest days and calm the rain after the storm. That's what you did for me and will continue to do.
You will be with me through everything, holding my hand, sharing my every triumph and guiding me through every tribulation. You were here with me from the beginning and you'll be here to the end, in all of us, every single person you ever touched.
I only had 14 years with you but that was enough to know just how amazing you are. You are remarkable and words cannot even begin to describe just how much I love you. Thank you for loving me and thank you for being my best friend. Most of all, thank you for being my mom. I hope you dance, cause I will.
DIANE APEL - SISTER
DEBORAH ANN SPOONER WALLACE: Some called her Deborah, some Debbie - some called her Mother, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Friend - but we all called her Loved! A smile, a laugh, a kindness, a friendly encouragement --she was always ready to go the extra mile for family, friend, neighbor or stranger.
I was 8 years old when the youngest sister and 3rd of their 5 children was born to Con and Ness Spooner in Thunder Bay. She was the prettiest baby I had ever seen, with her dark curly hair and huge soft brown eyes. Debbie was always happy and full of joy - an easy baby who was a delight to have in our family.
Her first years were spend amidst a large, rambunctious group of Spooners. Family picnics, summers at the cottage, water and snow skiing, Brownies, church, school and cousins were all part of her carefree childhood. She was an excellent student with a probing and quick mind, who brought her cheerful smile and laughing ways with her as she blithely made her way through her young years.
By 12 she was a tall string bean, who carried a sleeve of soda crackers everywhere she went, even to bed. Of course she drank gallons of milk to wash them down, and this became a lifelong habit! The 3 sisters shared a bedroom with a cold tile floor, and Debbie was afraid unknown creatures hid underneath the beds, so she would leap from bed to bed to get to hers, jumping over sleeping sisters and dropping soda cracker crumbs as she went. As the oldest and of course the baby sitter, I was never allowed to fall asleep for fear of the lurking critters under the beds. One night she kept insisting she had lost her frog, until I convinced her she was dreaming and to go back to sleep.
Her teenage years brought a family move to Ottawa, where Debbie entered high school and was a good scholar, but still managed to make many friends.
Her years at Carleton University weren't always experiences she shared with her family, but traditionally she entertained her many friends at our home for the annual Carleton-Ottawa U Football game with a huge party where she made her famous ‘lasagna'.
As she moved into young womanhood and her first job, she often raced up and down the 401 in her tiny vintage Honda, keeping in touch with her far-flung family and friends. She was thrilled to become Aunt Debbie when Michael, the first grandchild was born in Windsor, and she rushed to see the baby - and thus began her special love of babies and children.
In 1979 Deb and I bravely attacked the Old World when we visited Scotland, England and Ireland - two crazy Canadian girls trying desperately to remember to stay on the wrong side of the road. Debbie never got the hang of a manual choke or making a right turn from the wrong lane, and she constantly flooded the car and hit the curb on her turns, but soon became adept at joining the locals in making a third lane where none had existed - with peril to life, limb and livestock.
Florida was our next great adventure, and we took the first of our many wonderful vacations to the warmth, sunshine and Disney World in 1981, to be followed by many special sister and family times in that fun State, with much shared laughter and funny stories over the years.
She walked down the aisle amidst a Winter Wonderland of red and white when she married Ron Wallace in 1983 and became Debbie Wallace. As her family and friends watched on, her life happily evolved to one of Devoted Wife and Doting Mother -- the role she was meant to play.
She answered to many names -- everyone called her something different. We just called her Our Sister Deb - and thus she will remain in our hearts.
ALAN MOTE - MASONS
Let me say what an honour and privilege it is for me to speak about our dear, loving friend, Debbie, and add to our celebration of her life, amongst us. Her friendship has been a cherished possession for all who know her, whether it be as family, through her "work" relationships, the "Masonic" order, or in any other way.
I can remember back to my first meeting with Debbie. It was at the Wallace home after Ron's Installation as W.M of Mt. Zion Lodge in December 1992. It may have been a "men's" celebration but Debbie's presence was felt. Debbie exuded all her familiar characteristics from our very first encounter, - dynamic, warm, influential, persuasive, friendly, and genuine, - a true lover of people!
Ron, Jim Singer, Bill Ireland and myself were all installed into the Chair of King Solomon within those two months, and had already built a strong, personal "bond" amongst ourselves. But after a very short time it became obvious that the same bond was being forged amongst our spouses. Perhaps in the shadows of Masonry from a physical perspective, but, certainly in the forefront, as far as molding us as brothers among men, and in helping to direct our actions, as Masters of our respective Lodges. We all did very well that year, thanks in no small part to the support of Debbie, and our wives.
When our year was completed, we felt it only fitting to carry on with our "elite group" not only to "re-hash" the great experiences we all had, but to allow our wives to enjoy, with us, all of these same experiences, made possible in no small part by these ladies. Our annual Brunch for the '92 Masters is still a highlight of our year together, and Debbie quickly assumed a "key" organizing role, for this event. Over the last nine (9) years, the Singers, the Motes and the Irelands, have gotten to know Debbie as well as anybody has, and we all love and respect her, and always will.
Debbie as we might expect, has been the driving force behind Ron in attaining his personal goal of becoming District Deputy. Ron is making an indelible impression on Masons, at large, through his work this year, and to that extent, we are all reaping the benefits of Debby's influence, through Ron's words and actions.
Sadly, for reasons and motives far beyond the comprehension of us here today, Debbie is no longer, physically in our presence, but rest assured, we can expect that Debbie will carry on with whatever challenges and responsibilities that our Great Architect may expect of her, in the same enthusiastic manner, and will take pride in following all of our future actions and successes here on Earth.
Yes, Debbie will be missed by all of us, on a "human" level, but her spirit will carry on around us, in the words and deeds of Ron, Rachel and John, and in the pleasant memories of all of us who came to know and love her.
We, who are left here on Earth must "move forward" and fulfill our commitments as God has charged us all to do. Ron will successfully fulfill the role of "dual" parent and "best friend" for Rachel & John - a job made much easier by the influence and teachings that Debbie has instilled in them. Ron will fulfill his obligations as DDGM of Ontario District - we need his presence and influence as he needs all of us.
Jim & Mary, Bill & Charl, and Pauline and I need him. Need him to keep our "bond" intact - to keep the spirit alive in all of us. Debbie gave us so much in advance, we all must now dig a little deeper, to ensure that what Debbie has left us, will not go to waste.
TONI BAGNATO - ROYAL BANK
For those of you who don't know me my name is Tony Bagnato. I had the honour and privilege of working with Debbie for 3 years in the late 90's.
Ron, Rachel and John asked me to speak about Debbie on behalf of her friends at Royal Bank. Debbie was a career Royal banker who dedicated 26 years to her customers and colleagues, the last eleven at Whitby Main branch.
But what I really need to share with you is the Debbie that we will always remember. The Debbie that we all grew to respect, trust and admire.
It is often said that you spend as much or more time at work with your colleagues as you do at home with your family. Debbie's way of dealing with this was to treat her colleagues and clients not only as friends but more often than not as family.
The Debbie I will always remember put everyone else and their problems ahead of her own needs;
The Debbie I will always remember was never shy in telling me what I, and Royal Bank, needed to do differently;
The Debbie I will always remember helped everyone else finish their days work before finishing her own;
The Debbie I will always remember took care of Anthony Reino's son when his wife was delivering their second child and he was unexpectedly hospitalized;
The Debbie I will always remember was the first one to greet, hold and kiss every baby who entered the branch..…whether she knew the parents or not!!
The Debbie I will always remember was recognized in 2000 as the best "teller" by Oshawa/Whitby This Week a fact that was not lost on our Executive Vice President at the time who wrote in a personal note to Debbie that said (quote) "being recognized by the community is a clear demonstration of the outstanding service you provide your customers." We always knew Debbie had a special gift with her customers…we're just pleased they took the time to recognize it;
But the Debbie I will always remember is the one whose face lit up every morning when she gave me my daily update about one of John's plays or one of Rachel's soccer games.
.............................................................We miss you Debbie….God Bless!
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