In loving memory of Debra Swanson who passed away on October 15, 2021, age 59.
Debra is survived by her daughter Nichole Zajarny (Andrew), parents Joyce and Edwin Swanson, sister Candace Fielder (Craig), brother Daniel Swanson as well as numerous nieces and pets Heidi (dog) and Pippi (cat).
Debra had many accomplishments. She was a skilled hairdresser in Dryden for many years and later taught cosmetology as well as other subjects at Dryden High School. She also taught at High Schools in Red Lake and Kenora. She completed grade 11 & 12 at age 26. She then went on to graduate from Queens University – Teachers College in 1990 followed by Lakehead University with a Bachelors of Arts in Technology with Honours in 1998. Debra went on to write curriculum in Kingston, Ontario.
Debra enjoyed many things in her life. She loved to read and watch old movies, adored animals, antiquing and travelling. She was fond of the outdoors and was happy to be trapping with her father on the trapline. She also enjoyed household projects and learning new things. Debra was proud of her Norwegian heritage and showed it in some of her prized collectibles.
Condolences(7)-
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Bonnie says
October 26, 2021 at 1:22 pmDeb was such a wonderful person – thoughts and prayers to her family
Isaac. K says
October 27, 2021 at 9:03 pmFrom a former student of hers from Red Lake, Ontario;
It was her and Ms.Estabrooks who motivated me to pursue my path into showbiz and writing. She was actually one of the few I wanted to show what I had done. If it wasn’t for Ms.Swanson I wouldn’t have met all the cool people in the Film/TV world.
She taught me to just take opportunities when they were presented and not to succumb to fear of being rejected. Ms.Swanson had a talent for motivating without sounding preachy about it. Some would say she was strict or mean but sometimes a good kick in the pants is all you need. She wasn’t afraid to boot you forward whether you realized it or not. Her energy was infectious and she loved exchanging stories or cultural tidbits, at least when I was her student. She was amazing at recognizing a spark in someone and encouraging it. I’d seen her talk to other students in her classes the same way, some would be open, others would just blow it off. If you had her in your corner when you were deciding your dreams as a student, you were in a good spot.
I’ll see you on the other side someday Deb. Thank you for everything.
Siv Karin Førde says
October 28, 2021 at 3:23 pmDear Debbie! Although we are far away, we keep you and your family close in our thoughts and in our hearts today and always. With love from your cousin Søren and the rest of your family and relatives in Nordfjord, Norway
Shirley and Al says
October 29, 2021 at 3:20 pmWe were so sad to hear this news of Debbie. Thoughts and prayers to Debbie’s family and her extended pet family.
Daina (Maslach) Colbourne says
November 13, 2021 at 8:19 pmI am so sad to hear of her passing. She was a lovely person who enjoyed teaching. I was so lucky to be a student of hers and loved being in her classes. She was one of my favourite teachers. She had the loveliest smile. My condolences to her family.
Shirley Ruzycki says
November 15, 2021 at 10:12 pmI am so sorry to hear about Debra, My sincere sympathy to Edwin, Joyce, her daughter Nichole. and the rest of the family.
From your cousin
Shirley (Berle) and my family John Ruzycki, Daughter Diane and Son-in-law Martin.
Roger Lalonde says
December 3, 2021 at 1:34 amFrom the bottom of our hearts to all of your hearts, our most sincere condolences. I got to know Debbie at Queen’s University in Kingston in 1990. Debbie was caring and helped many through University. Jeanne and I became very good friends with Debbie. She visited us a few times in Summerstown. We then initiated her to the night life in Montreal. I had to hold her back, she wanted to see so much more. She saw a different life there. She was so exited to visit Montreal. After university, we always stayed in touch. Debbie was very grateful for becoming friends with us. We always stayed in touch. I last visited her in 2016 in Kenora. I wish I would have stayed longer as I felt she wanted to talk more. We communicated by phone after wards. For Nicole, I wish you could email me. Debbie always wanted for me to meet you. Debbie left too soon. May all of you take comfort in the memories and the good times…. Jeanne & Roger Lalonde
Donations may be made to DRHC Mental Health & Addictions or the Second Chance Pet Network through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3