Deborah Casse
Don’t cry because her life is over, smile because her life happened
It is with profound sadness that we record the passing of Deborah, unexpectedly and suddenly, at home in Lagoon City on 3rd November 2020 at the age of 50 years.
Much loved, daughter of Audrey and John and as a sister to her siblings.
Deborah was born on 21st January 1970 in Gillingham, Kent in the South East of England.
As is the case with spirited and ambitious young people there, the lure of London called and off she went to find a career and make her way in the world. She entered the world of Insurance with Zurich and after a couple of years went for a transfer to the Toronto office. That started her love affair with Canada and, apart for a couple of years temporarily back in the London office, she spent the next 28 years in Ontario moving along a career in insurance underwriting with several leading international and national firms in Toronto and became a Canadian citizen.
A new life chapter began when only a year ago she moved temporarily to Brechin en route to a new build home in Lindsay next year. Deborah had developed a real skill in building and house renovation in Toronto and was putting it to great effect in the North for a different lifestyle. This was to be her new life, tragically cut short when so near. So many plans for the future that will never be carried out; so very very sad.
Her family live in England and Spain. Cruelly Covid pandemic travel restrictions prevent any of us coming to Canada to be at the funeral. But when rules allow we will come over and hold a memorial celebration and dispersal of her ashes.
The family is indebted to her friends in Canada who have rallied round to help in this very difficult time. Our thoughts are also with them, many of whom go back many years
Deborah loved travelling, in particular her cruises, cooking and she loved animals and animal protection; especially cats of which she had many over the years
Her Mum recites the following recollection
‘We had a beautiful Persian cat but it was very vicious and we were all scared of it. Deborah would visit, walk in the door, pick him up like a baby and he would just loll back in her arms good as gold’ We couldn’t believe it’ She clearly had a gift.
Gail Fairhurst
So very sad to hear of Deb’s passing. She was sorely missed when she moved away from Holborne Ave. and will continue to be missed. Rest now, Deb.
Derek Spafford
I am sorry very saddened to learn of Deborah’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Deborah when she was the lead underwriter on a program that we supported. She was always great to work with, very professional and held strong to her convictions. It has been a few years since I last saw saw or spoke with Deborah but I had hoped that our path’s would cross again. So sad to hear that she is gone much too soon. RIP Deborah.
All my thoughts to Deborah’s friends and family.
Derek Spafford
Justin Bangham
Our deepest condolences to Deb’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Deb was a fun loving, charming lady. We would often chat with her over our mutual fence. She will be missed.
Justin & Tracy
Moira Gittens
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Deborah’s passing. She started out as our next door neighbour on Holborne Avenue and turned into a good friend. We spent many a Friday night together catching up on the week not to mention Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners at each other’s house. I regret not visiting her this summer in Lagoon City due to pandemic restrictions. She definitely left us far too soon. Rest In Peace. Moira and Devon
Amelia Jarrett
Dear Deborah, we miss you, the fabulous funny evenings in the sunshine in Spain with Mum and Dad, thinking about adventures and listening to you about the travels and plans you had, with your advice especially about islands that might be best for me to visit. Such courage to be you and follow dreams, lots of love and rest in peace until we meet again. My love is with you and all of our family we just want to give you a big hug and hold you tight. You have left us much too soon, all my love Amelia xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lee Jarrett
Dear Sis
I can’t believe that I am sitting writing this letter to you, I never dreamt I would
be saying goodbye to my sister so young, its heart wrenching.
You were one formidable, strong minded and driven women, which I have
always admired about you. I loved you dearly and I always will.
I have been sitting thinking about our childhood and growing up together and
so many memories come flooding back…..
Like how you made me watch “TOP OF THE POPS” all the time!!
I was only seven and you were a stroppy fourteen-year-old, anything I wanted
to watch was firmly off the table. I blame you fully for my uncool guilty
pleasure of 80’s POP music!!! I used to grass you up to mum for turning off the
“A team” which usually resulted in you kicking me whilst you wore those
disgusting burgundy pixie boots that you lived in!!
Even though we squabbled constantly, as siblings do, I always knew you had
my back, even though I was a generally an annoying little brother, and I always
had yours.
When you moved out aged sixteen it was tough to take, even though I had the
freedom of the TV, I missed our squabbling.
I am not sure where the years went after that, it was not long before you were
working your way up the ladder in your new London based job. You were
determined and driven in everything you did.
There were many places you lived, I lost count of all the flats we helped you
move in and out of. There were also a few dubious boyfriends along the way!!
Dad and I use to have a field day taking the mickey out of them. There was one
guy in particular, really short, think he was French, he got it the most!!
When you moved to Canada it came as quite a shock to the family, it was such
an impulsive move. It was definitely a Deborah thing to do, you were never
afraid to push boundaries and make bold decisions. It was tough seeing you go,
but in a way, I am glad you did because you made a home there and left the
London rat race behind. It gives me some comfort knowing you were in a place
you felt happy and at peace with.
When you came back home for the operation on your ankle, we had some
great times, I will miss the dinners we had putting the world to rights and the
phone calls from you in the early hours of the morning to say you had fallen
asleep on the train again and that you were stuck in Ashford!!
I am thankful I have a daily reminder of you in Millie, she is your clone and is as
head strong and independent as you were, I can only hope she inherits your
drive and work ethic too.
I love you dearly, you were taken from us too soon and too suddenly.
I can only hope you are at rest now. I’ll make sure the kids know everything
about you and your life, when they are old enough.
We will come to Canada soon, I want to see the things you did, where you lived
and feel near to you again.
I miss you so much, I love you Sis, you will be in my thoughts and heart always.
Sweet dreams
Lee xxxx
Audrey Jarrett (Deborahs mother)
To my darling daughter I am heart broken that you had to leave us so soon. I loved you so much and wanted all your dreams to come true. Everybody says how strong minded you were. Once you made up your mind you went for it. I applaud you and admire you
For your strength of character, I am so very proud of you and all you achieved.
We were best friends to each other and I so wanted your dream of your forever home to come true. This was not to be. When you described your piece of land with a babbling brook at the bottom of your land it sounded lovely. You talked about raising chickens there and having a Jacuzzi plus your little kitten. A lovely lady has taken her on and has taken her in and called her Casse in memmory of you. How lovely is that. I take comfort in all of your good friends and their kind condolences. Rest In Peace my
darling daughter you will be in my heart and mind forever.
Anja Duess
My deepest condolences for the loss of your daughter, Deborah.
She has always been a warm person and loved a good laugh, would not compromise, made mean curries and was extremely handy when it came to home renovations.
She will be dearly missed.
Cam Robinson
Deborah was a great woman, a loved daughter, a fantastic friend to many. Far too young and early, we are all very shocked and still can’t believe. So many fond memories will never be forgotten. Her quick wit and sense of humor will last and last. She was one of a kind, very determined, knew what she liked and did not like, clever and caring, the list goes on. We, and I, will miss her dearly, was looking forward to seeing her new home in the Kawartha’s, she was so excited to move and build. Looking forward to meeting some of her family at some point, share some stories. Rest in peace my friend, you will never be forgotten; we will always smile when we talk about you.
Susan Callahan
I’m so very sorry for the premature loss of your daughter. I can’t imagine the depth of your grief, especially as her mom and dad. Deborah talked about the two of you a lot and her great love and concern for you shone through. She was a bright light who thoroughly loved living. I’m very happy that I got the opportunity to call her my friend. We truly bonded over our love and compassion for animals with cats being at the forefront! I’ll cherish forever my great memories especially on vacation in St. Martin and the laughs we had together. May she be at peace.
Karen Streeter
I’m so very sorry to hear the sad news of Deborah’s passing. Sending all the love to her family, friends & everyone who knew her. It’s been a few years since I’ve seen her, but she kept in touch with Lynn who then kept us girls up to date with Deborah’s life in Canada. Many years ago she was introduced to us as Lynn’s mad, funny friend from work, & in no time we all became friends. We had a lot of fun & the best laughs! Many a weekend was spent at Deborah’s flat in Erith. There were 3, sometimes 4 of us ‘young ladies’ who used to travel up & stay over. We’d drive up, get ready, go pubbing, then clubbing, drink, laugh, dance & torment boys. We would finish the night a little worse for wear, but still managed to get a traditional kebab or chips before jumping in a cab back to her flat. Sunday morning would come & we would all be in sleeping bags, curled up on the floor, waiting for Deborah to get up & make tea & toast. Sore heads, sore feet & croaky voices from all the singing & dancing the night before. We laughed from beginning to end. She had a wicked sense of humour. And was a total minx! Confident & forthright. But she wasn’t all ‘ball busting business woman’. She had a big heart & a sensitive soul. It was a pleasure to have known you Deborah Casse, you funny, crazy lady! Shine bright in the sky my friend. Good night, god bless darling. K.x
Claire Griffiths
I just want to send my heartfelt condolences to all of Deborah’s family. I was completely shocked to hear the news and saddened as she was still so young and had so many exciting things coming up. I haven’t seen her for a few years but I will never ever forget our hilarious nights out, her giggle, the jangling of her earrings, her hair flick and the constant complaint that she was too hot lol!! We had some great times staying over in her flat in Erith, times I shall never forget. The trip to her wedding and the night in the Loose Moose in her wedding dress, hilarious! We had some real laughs with her, Lynn, Karen, Tracey and Janie. I am so so sorry that she is no longer with us and send so much love to her family. She will never ever be forgotten. Lots and lots of love.
Lynn Keeley
My heartfelt condolences to all Deborah’s family and all of her friends in around the world, Britain, Spain and of course, in Canada.
I have known Deborah for many years and been on many adventures with her – from First National Bank where it all started for us! To her new and exciting life in her beloved Canada.
So many memories – teaching me to drive in Gillingham and arriving at the ‘Avenue Nightclub’ via a grassy bank!?? We never forgot that moment whenever we caught up!!!
She lived life to the full – always – and inspired and encouraged others to do the same which will be her legacy both professionally and at home – so many expert house renovations!
Her spirit will never leave us all, and I am truly lucky to have been able to call her my friend.
All our love,
Lynn and Simon xxx