H. M. DEBRA GLENNIE

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H. M. DEBRA GLENNIE, R.P. Peacefully, on April 5, 2017 at the Grace Hospital, Debra Glennie passed away at age 80 in Winnipeg, MB. Debbie will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Kim (Derek) and Jennie, both of Vancouver, BC; her brother Martin Arndt (Donna) of Saskatoon, SK; sister-in-law Ingrid and her much-loved nieces and nephews. She will also be sadly missed by her numerous friends and co-workers. Debbie was predeceased by her parents Emil and Helene Arndt, brothers Udo and Alfred Arndt and sisters Sonja Roeder and Erika Sauter. Born in Koenigsberg, East Prussia on March 7, 1937, Debbie emigrated from Germany with her family to Canada in 1951 and lived in Winnipeg for the past 66 years. She was married to the late Brian F. Glennie in 1964 until their divorce in 1987. As a young woman she leveraged her brains and beauty, becoming a certified accountant, an instructor with the Arthur Murray dance studio, a Crosstown Mixed Bowling champion, and a make-up artist with the glamorous "Studio Girl of Hollywood". She applied to the Winnipeg School Division No. 1 in 1977, where she became the records clerk at the Child Guidance Clinic (now Clinical Support Services) and remained there for an astounding 40 years. She had also been quite involved in the community, being on the Home and School Committee, was active in local political campaigns, sold World Book Encyclopedia, joined her best friends in "The Dancing Moms" ensemble, and volunteered with Brownies as a "Tawny Owl" and St. John's Ambulance among others. She always had an active interest in her daughters' education and provided them with numerous opportunities to learn and excel both academically and extracurricularly. She was proud to attend annual sessions of the Women's Model Parliament in the late 70s, held at the Legislative building, which gave women an opportunity to become familiar with parliamentary procedure, gain confidence and to practice speaking in public. The seed had been planted and in 1991 joined the Mary Burrows Unit to study parliamentary procedure, which led her to realize her dream of becoming a registered parliamentarian. She had previously been active on the W.A.N.T.E. executive counsel as a member at large, the chairperson of their policy committee and still frequently attended liaison meetings. In her later years, although she was still working, she remained fiercely independent and enjoyed visiting her daughters in Vancouver often, watching her favourite movies and musicals on TCM, singing with the Scandinavian Choir and spending time with her wonderful friends. Debbie always believed in the power of positivity and lived it every single day. She had such tremendous love and generosity that knew no bounds for her family and friends, she inspired those around her to flourish and treated strangers with warmth and kindness. She will be so very dearly missed by all who knew her but she will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Viewing will take place from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. prior to service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba and/or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. CHAPEL LAWN www.chapelllawn.ca 204-885-9715.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 08, 2017