DEBORAH ANN BEAN (POUT)

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DEBORAH ANN BEAN (nee POUT) February 2, 1956 July 4, 2008 After a journey of endless courage, dignity and strength, lots of heart, and living each day to the fullest with laughter and positive outlook, Debbie passed away on July 4, 2008 at Riverview Health Centre. Throughout her life, Debbie made many contributions to Winnipeg's various non-profit organizations working to make our community a better place. Debbie's final journey, as her life, demonstrated her deep love and concern for others, along with her incredible optimism and belief in a better world. She will leave to mourn, and be deeply missed by, her beloved partner Teresa Andreychuk; cherished children Andrea (partner Aaron) and Jason (partner Melanie); her mother Rose Simpson (Bob); her sisters Carol Marion (Conrad and nephew Christopher) and Barb Bonev (Pete and niece/goddaughter Elaine); the Andreychuk Family; and many valued friends, co-workers and community colleagues, fellow energy practitioners, and community organizations. Debbie was predeceased by her father Larry. Debbie was born in Ottawa on February 2, 1956 to Larry and Rose Pout. She spent the next 10 years growing up in Ottawa. The family then spent one year in Jasper, where skiing and wildlife abounded. In 1966, her family moved to Winnipeg. Her high school years were busy, including being named school representative to the Sears Fashion Board in 1971. Debbie graduated in 1972 from Silver Heights Collegiate. She obtained her Bachelor of Home Economics from the University of Manitoba in 1977. Debbie was married to Robert Bean June 18, 1977. Her daughter Andrea was born December 30, 1981 and son Jason was born April 9, 1984. The family particularly loved spending time at the lake in Ontario Rushing River, Long Bow Lake, and finally their own cottage at Blindfold Lake. Her working career began with Sears Canada. After an injury, she was introduced to the services of Reaching Out (soon to amalgamate with E-Quality Employment to become Reaching E-Quality Employment Services - REES), which provided employment counselling services to people with physical disabilities. She became the first Executive Director of REES and remained at REES for almost 16 years. From there, she moved to The Winnipeg Foundation in 2002, to serve as a Community Grants Coordinator. She loved her work, which enabled her to help facilitate the goals and dreams of the many various sectors of the Winnipeg non-profit community. Debbie was recently honoured for her work in the Disability and Philanthropic communities being presented with the inaugural Debbie Bean Award , which will be given annually for significant contributions to the employment of people with disabilities. Debbie loved her cross-stitch and crocheting, being outdoors among nature at her lake, swimming, reading, therapeutic touch, reiki and other energy work. She even tried her hand at line dancing. Debbie particularly loved her precious spirit animal, Sierra (her cat), who provided endless antics, love and comfort. Debbie appreciated the incredible generosity of her family, friends and new acquaintances, who provided love, support and many random acts of kindness during her journey with colorectal cancer. Many phone calls, flowers, meals, visits, and prayers/positive energy were immensely valued. The ongoing warmth, caring and support of her Winnipeg Foundation Family will forever be remembered. Debbie, along with her family and friends, would also like to thank those working at CancerCare Manitoba, WRHA Home Care, and Riverview Health Centre, for their kindness, support, compassion and high quality care. Special thanks go out to Lil, Laura, Patti and Deanne for their energy treatments which helped with her journey, and also to her good friend Rene for always being there. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the REES Agency Endowment Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation in Debbie's memory, if so desired. (1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3; 944-9474) A Celebration of Debbie's Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Sturgeon Creek United Church in Winnipeg (207 Thompson Drive, off Portage Avenue just west of Moray), with Minister Joan Jarvis of Westminster United Church presiding. We would like to thank Sturgeon Creek United Church for so graciously providing the use of their Sanctuary and Hall while we were unable to use the facilities at Westminster United Church due to renovations currently being done. Sturgeon Creek United Church is Wheelchair Accessible and ASL interpretation will be provided. NEIL BARDAL INC. 204-949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 08, 2008