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DEBBIE (DEB) SIEGEL (BELL)
Born: Jan 07, 1952
Date of Passing: Jun 17, 2020
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
DEBBIE (DEB) SIEGEL
(nee BELL)
Debbie was predeceased by her parents, David and Yvonne Bell and her brother Kenneth (Kenny) Bell. She is survived by her husband Charlie; her children, Michael (Erica) and Meghan (Chris); her brother Darrell (Coral); grandchildren, Lena and Nicholas; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Debbie was born January 7, 1952, in Winnipeg.
She attended the University of Manitoba Faculty of Education and started her teaching career in The Pas, Manitoba, teaching grades two to four, and there she met the love of her life, Charlie. They were married on July 16, 1977. Shortly after, their son Michael was born in 1979 and their daughter Meghan in 1982.
In 1989, the family moved to Australia where Debbie and Charlie were on a teachers' exchange for two years. The family returned to Winnipeg and she continued her teaching career in the River East School Division.
Debbie was passionate about singing and in 1999 she joined the Sisters of the Holy Rock, where she could sing and perform. The people and music helped her through the rough times and made the good times even better.
Pelican Lake was one of Debbie's favourite places. Memories of times spent with her parents, her family, her brother Darrell, nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends were found here at the lake.
Debbie's love of family was ever present and when she became a grandmother to Lena and Nicholas she was overjoyed.
We wish to give special thanks to CancerCare, Homecare and St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit staff. Any donations in Debbie's name can be made to CancerCare.
A celebration of Debbie's life will take place at a later date.
"Those we love don't go away;
they walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard but always near,
Still loved, still missed and held so dear."
The family invites you to share your
memories and leave condolences
by visiting Debbie's memorial
page at seasonsfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2020
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Charlie and all of the family and friends. Debbie was such a special person and we were so lucky to have had her in our lives. She was so positive and caring. She will be in our memory forever. Hugs to all. - Posted by: Craig & Maggie Ptashnik (friends) on: Jul 25, 2020
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A beautiful person, a passion for life and fun, a wonderful teacher and friend who gave so much to those she interacted with. It was with great enthusiasm and delight that we, the Richardson family, exchanged jobs, homes, friends and colleagues to experience life on the other side of the world with the adventurous Siegel family. How lucky were we to have had the opportunity to get to know Debbie on a professional and personal level. Her warmth, effervescence and kindness were to be admired. Our sincere condolences to Charlie, Meghan, Michael . I’m so pleased and grateful that we had the opportunity to dine with Debbie and Charlie one last time when they were in Australia. - Posted by: Evelynne Richardson (Australian. Connection teacher exchange) on: Jul 04, 2020
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We want to extend our deepest sympathy to your family and to you Charlie! We have lost a dear friend, an excellent working partner, and a good neighbour. You have lost a mother of your children and a dear soulmate. Be as strong now as you have been in the past for Debbie. Debbie was such a great teaching partner. She made school fun and our meetings about various students were so valuable because of her wonderful people instincts. She also was a calming influence on me during my oft-times difficult administrative experiences. - Posted by: Al and Pat Bryski (Friends) on: Jul 02, 2020
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We were so saddened to hear about Debbie. We have such fond memories of golfing with her and Charlie and fun times at their cottage. We pray for your family and hope time will heal . Debbie was so positive in life. May her memories uplift you all. Love The Turners - Posted by: Leota and Wayne Turner (Friends) on: Jun 28, 2020
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Charlie, Michael and Meghan, and families - our sincere condolences on the passing of Debbie. We have fond memories of your time on Leatherwood Cove and we are saddened to hear of your loss. Thinking of you all, Les, Judi, Scott and Jennifer. - Posted by: Judi and Les Parry (Neighbours and friends) on: Jun 24, 2020
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Deb was an incredible woman....a real 'goer'. Remember the good times! To all her family - time heals! Lara X - Posted by: Lara (Friend) on: Jun 24, 2020
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I worked with Deb at MMC for several years and her compassion for the Special Education students she served was second to none. She cared deeply for their well being and went above and beyond to meet their needs. We worked on many committees together and she always brought her wonderful sense of humour to our meetings. The last time I saw her was at the most recent Christmas MMC craft sale when she visited me at my table with her granddaughter. She told me about her cancer and we shared a long hug together. She was so open and positive about her situation and that's how I will remember her . . . open and positive. My condolences go out to her family and friends. Deb was a gem who was taken from us too soon. I'm sure that she has already started a singing group with the Angels. RIP my dear Debbie. - Posted by: Wendy Henriksen (Colleague and friend) on: Jun 23, 2020
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My condolences to Charlie, Meghan and Michael. It was a privilege to work with Debbie, teach Michael and get to know Charlie and Meghan while I was working at Emerson Elementary School...and to reminisce after numerous "Sister of the Holy Rock" performances. Her warmth, contagious smile and energetic personality will be missed. - Posted by: Wayne Antoniuk (colleague) on: Jun 23, 2020
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My condolences to Charlie, Meghan and Michael. It was my privilege to work with Debbie at Miles Mac. This world misses her greatly - Posted by: Perry McGregor (colleague) on: Jun 22, 2020
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I am so very, very sorry to hear of Deb's passing. My deepest condolences to Charlie, Meghan and Michael. Deb was such a special lady - so kind, sweet and positive. She was a wonderful teacher and mom. She will be dearly missed. She was such an inspiration to others throughout her illness. Rest in peace. Barb - Posted by: Barb Strachan (Taught together at Maple Leaf) on: Jun 22, 2020
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Debbie was always the 'spark' of the Sisters of the Holy Rock. I always admired the way she jumped into any situation with a quick wit and humour, encouraging and friendly and always so positive. I will never forget her friendship. I send my fondest condolences to Charlie and his family at this difficult time. - Posted by: william helgason (friend) on: Jun 21, 2020
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I went to John Henderson Jr High with Deb for 3 years. Her bright smile and great personality is what I remember. One of the best. - Posted by: Bruce Douglas (School friend) on: Jun 21, 2020
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Heaven has another member. Debbie was so inspiring during her illness. Her “never give up” attitude was so important and helped her I’m sure. I loved singing with her in the Sisters, she was always so friendly to all, especially new members. She will be missed. To Charlie, Michael and Meagan - May your memories keep you strong during this difficult time. - Posted by: Lori Nelson (Friend) on: Jun 20, 2020
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I remember Debbie was always a happy and encouraging soul. It is very sad for all of us that God has called her home so early. She will be missed. My condolences to all of the family. - Posted by: Marnie Hocken (Acquaintance) on: Jun 20, 2020
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I met Debbie in River East Collegiate in grade nine. I always found her to be a happy, kind, non judgemental person. I will always remember her beautiful smile and how much fun she was...rest in peace Debbie...gone too soon. Arlene May - Posted by: Arlene May (School mate) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Condolences to Charlie, Meghan and Michael in the loss of Debbie...a wife, mother, and grandmother. I understand the sadness in this time of mourning. I was so fortunate to have known the Siegel family as a teacher at Emerson Elementary School. I have many memories of working with Debbie on class projects and having Meghan and Michael in my classes. It has been always a pleasure for chance meetings over the years to spend time catching up with news....Rainbow Stage, concerts, letters from Australia, Emerson staff reunions, and meeting the grandchildren. I hope that you, the family, find comfort in the many wonderful memories that can be shared over the days, months and years ahead. In sympathy, Shirley Augustine - Posted by: Shirley Augustine (teaching) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Condolences to your family. Debbie and I met in University and may not have been in close contact but our lives passed in teaching, At Folk Fest and other places. She was always wearing a smile. I know she will be missed by all who knew her. - Posted by: Laurie Sodomlak (University friend) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Debbie was such a sweet and caring person. We will all miss her dearly. Love and prayers to all of you. Tim and Cindy - Posted by: Cindy and Tim Siegel (Brother in law and sister in law) on: Jun 20, 2020
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