Hadwen, Deborrah “Deb”

Deb K. Hadwen 

Loved and was loved.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Deborrah Kaye Hadwen (née Beresford) on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, at the age of 67. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Deb was born in Kingston on January 19, 1957, to her late parents, Dorothy (née Phillips) and Bernard Beresford. She spent her early life in Kingston before moving to Waterloo to attend university, where she met her husband, Seymour. After graduating with a degree in Kinesiology, Deb began her first full-time job at the Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, where she had a fulfilling career for 41 years. Deb and Seymour’s next adventure took them to Scotland for 5 years before they returned to Guelph to raise their family. In 1992, they moved to Cambridge and have been happy residents of West Galt for over 3 decades.

She is survived by her husband, Seymour, her two daughters, Chloë (Steve) and Paige, and her siblings, Joanne McCallan and Trevor Beresford (Barbara). She was a loving sister-in-law and a devoted aunt to many nieces and nephews. The twinkle in her eye shone most brightly when in the presence of her beloved grandson Arlo; they shared a truly special bond.

Affectionate to the core, Deb had a deep love for dogs and family. Her love for each of her 4 Vizslas was considerable. It’s difficult to say who was happier—her with them or them with her—but she was rarely seen without one. Deb had an infectious smile and was always cheerful. She dearly loved her community, neighbours, colleagues, and her numerous friends. Her positivity and passion for life were self-evident, as was the generosity she showed with her time. Her warmth and joyous spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Kingston General Hospital and Innisfree Hospice for their compassionate care. A celebration of Deb’s life will be held at Cedar Hill United Church on Saturday, November 16th, at 2:00pm.

22 replies
  1. Susan and Peter Hardy
    Susan and Peter Hardy says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. Deb truly was a special person and we know she will be greatly missed by your family and everyone who came in contact with her. Thinking of all of you during this very difficult time.

    Reply
  2. Zach
    Zach says:

    Condolences to Paige and the Hadwen family on the loss of their incredible matriarch. 20 years ago, I found myself spending a lot of time at the Hadwen’s. Deb always had time for me, endlessly offering guidance and care – and only expecting a little yard work in return 😄

    I’ve always cherished that time with Deb.

    Reply
  3. Pat Thompson
    Pat Thompson says:

    My deepest condolences to Deb’s family. As a caregiver and loving friend of our family for the past decade, Deb truly enriched our lives and she will live forever in our hearts. Deb was an extraordinary person – so passionate, caring and generous – whose positive vibe was a true ray of sunshine whenever she appeared. I wish I could be there to help celebrate her life and I hope the fond memories we all cherish of our beautiful, joyous Deb bring you some comfort in the days ahead. I will truly miss Deb and be forever thankful for the positive impact she had on our lives. Thank you to Seymour and all her family for sharing her with us.

    Reply
  4. Truus and Alfons Claassen
    Truus and Alfons Claassen says:

    We met Deb through Nikken and it was an honor to know Deb. We will always remember her for her cheerfulness and joy of life. We hope you will find comfort in the memories of conversations, laughter, special moments and the joy of her love. May you gain strength from those around you.

    Reply
  5. Jennifer Huynh
    Jennifer Huynh says:

    Deb led the Dancing Queens class where my Mom, Sue Beggs, met her and they instantly became great friends. They bonded over their love for their dogs and their human families. I’m so sad to hear of Deb’s passing and send so much love to her family. What a LOVELY person she was xoxp

    Reply
  6. RitaSue & Curt Bolton
    RitaSue & Curt Bolton says:

    Meeting Deb thru her sister Joanne over 26 years ago has expanded our family & brought to us a woman of joy & energy who truly cares about others!

    We wish the Hadwen family great memories & blessings as Deb continues her journey in spirit, never far from our thoughts!
    Heart ❤️ Hugs RitaSue & Curt Bolton

    Reply
  7. Joan Fontyn
    Joan Fontyn says:

    Heartfelt condolences to the Hadwen family and all who loved Deb.She was a kindred spirit in her love of dogs. Always enjoyed our morning walks in Victoria park with our pack.

    Reply
  8. David Menary
    David Menary says:

    I always treasured those chance meetings with Deb while walking our dogs through the trails at Victoria Park over the years. She was so welcoming and kind and my dog liked her from the start. I’m going to miss her and offer my deepest condolences Seymour to you and your family.

    Reply
  9. David Smith
    David Smith says:

    My deepest condolences to the Hadwen Family.
    Deb has been like a sister to myself and my late wife Pauline. Deb has made a difference in many of our lives and will always be remembered
    In our hearts. A true friend was Deb always helping so many people and touching so many people.
    May you rest in Peace my very good friend.
    Until we meet again.

    Love Dave

    Reply
  10. JOAN BELL
    JOAN BELL says:

    I will always remember the first time I met Deb through our son who became friends with Paige when we moved back to west Galt in 1996. I would see her in Victoria Park over the years and got to see first hand her love for all dogs. My two dogs would recognize Deb’s voice before I did & pull me across the park to see her. I will never forget Deb’s voice or her smile. Sending heartfelt condolences to Seymour, Chloé, Steve, Arlo & Paige.

    Reply
  11. Cindy Bartlett
    Cindy Bartlett says:

    Deb was a happy go lucky person always smiling and would drop anything for you if you needed her helping hand. A great soul of sorts. I enjoyed dancing with her for many years. Deb will always and be forever missed. To a great friend R.I.P.

    Reply
  12. Maxine Gallucci
    Maxine Gallucci says:

    My condolences to Deb’s family on the loss of their wife, mother and Grandmother. I am going to miss her at our Saturday morning Zumba classes @ AIM studio. Deb was such a happy & fun friend who always had a bright sparkle in her eye and a warm smile 😍

    Reply
  13. Debby DaCosta
    Debby DaCosta says:

    My condolences to the friends and family, may she continue to live in your hearts. A wonderful lady who touched many people and dogs with her kind happy soul. RIP

    Reply
  14. LuAnne Blair
    LuAnne Blair says:

    Heartfelt condolences to Deb’s family.
    She lives on in your hearts.
    Deb was lovely and has passed on to her next adventure too young. God Bless

    Reply
  15. Karen Harris
    Karen Harris says:

    My deepest sympathies Seymour to you and your family. May the wonderful and memorable memories bring comfort to all of you.

    Reply
  16. Jen Rogers
    Jen Rogers says:

    I will miss Deb’s contagious smile and bear hugs. Her generous and selfless approach to life will continue to inspire me to be a better person. I’m extremely thankful to have danced with Deb over the years in her classes and at Zumba. I’m sure she’s dancing in heaven .
    Condolances to Seymour and all her family members. Sending hugs. Jen

    Reply
  17. Christina Pendergest
    Christina Pendergest says:

    My deepest condolences to Chloe, Steve, Arlo and family. Thinking of you all, and holding space for you as you mourn the loss of such a significant and special family member.

    Reply

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