From Bob Sharp to Nuno, Luc, J-G, Marcus, Anne and John. Please accept my condolences and deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. I've written a few words to try to express something of what Deborah meant to me. I hope they bring you some small measure of comfort.  
    Deb and I were friends for close to thirty years. It was that long ago when we first met, yet I remember it like it was yesterday. I owned a small advertising agency in Calgary and had placed an ad for a bookkeeper/ receptionist in the local newspaper. A couple of days after it ran I happened to be looking out of my window at the parking lot when I saw a young woman striding purposefully towards the entrance. Her height and striking looks would have commanded attention anytime, anywhere, but she had  decided to make sure and was wearing a vivid yellow dress and bright red tights. I thought to myself "nothing shy about you,love, is there?" Anyway, she aced the interview. She had just come back from livivg in London and I'm a native Londoner, so that was that. In no time at all she went from employee to friend to trusted confidante.
    Even when she no longer worked for me she was still someone I could talk to about anything and trust it would go no further. I could call her virtually any time at all and she never seemed to be to busy to talk to me Be it over coffee, a couple of beers, lunch or at her home.. With her honesty, loyalty, sense of humour, empathy, warmth and understanding, even her ability to just plain listen she helped me get through a very dark period in my life.  We kept in touch for a while then I lost contact with her for ten years or so,but we reconnected about three years ago and have stayed in touch now and again through the phone or email  ever since and it always made my day when we chatted. In my seventy-five years I have not seen many like her come along. She was a lovely, lovely lady, a wonderful person and a cherished friend. There will be an empty spot in my life till the end of my days.
    Heartfelt though these words are they are not anywhere near adequate enough to ease the the pain and grief Nuno and their boys and Deb's sister and brother are going through. One thing is certain, her family was the centre of her universe. A perfect illustration was something she said to me just last Christmas. I had emailed with the tradition greetings. and said something like "how's it going with the boys being home?"  Her reply? "Exhausting.  But exhilerating.." That pretty much sums it up. 
    They say time heals everything. Well, maybe it does, but Deborah and my wishes for the strength and courage for her family to get through this devastating loss and upheaval to their lives will be in my thoughts for a long,long time     
    Deb and I talked about a great many subjects in our  electronic chats. One of which, believe it or not, was the life and works of  Scotland's poetic genius, Robert Burns. When I heard of Deb's passing I got to wondering if Mr Burns could come up with something uplifting for this sad occasion.  And sure enough, he could. These are two lines from an epitaph he wrote for one of his father's friends.  I'm sure everyone who knew Deb at all well would agree that, when you change the gender as I have, they could have been written especially for her...
 
                                  "If there's another world she lives in bliss,                                   
                                   If there is none, she made the best of this."
 
 
Goodbye Deb. You were a joy. Thanks for being there, and just being you. Cheers...B

Deb,
Today is your birthday, and today is when I found out you have gone.
I can't believe we will never laugh together again, or that I didn't have a chance to say good bye.
Cameron & I miss you so very much.
Good bye my friend.

I first met Debbie at a community board meeting where her ready sympathy and cool, professional intelligence made a significant contribution. Later, we reconnected as neighbours.
This was a word Debbie epitomized. Many people on the street knew her, even though they did not know her name.
She greeted them and asked after them and families and
they speak with admiration and affection of "The Tall Lady."

Dear Nuno and the boys:

I only got to know Deb over the last couple of years and am sorry that it wasn't longer.  She was a loving and very caring lady who always thought of others before herself.  I will miss all the maple cookies she would constantly drop by, and cannot even think nor shall I ever have another.
My condolences to you and the boys.
I will miss her and her giving ways

Dear Nuno, Lucas, J.g. and Marcus,

Your beautiful mom and wife was my best friend!  I shall treasure all the moments we shared as we grew in life and in our friendship.  Deb was a once in a lifetime friend who I shall remember all of my days.  I can't help but think of her as I make a cup of coffee in one of the last birthday gifts she gave me a stainless steel coffee maker.  So it is was great sadness and much joy that I will remember her!  I am honored that she chose to be such a good friend.  She was also a part of our family as her parents and mine were very close.
Deb was a beautiful loving friend that I will miss, but shall remember with fondness, love, and the many laughs we shared.

Deb was a friendly and engaged Palmerston mom and we chatted  so many times during the years our lives revolved around Palmerston school, the park, the arena, the pool.   So lots of birthday parties, Sports events, first and last days of school, open houses, Mayfests, graduations, concerts, plays and so on.  A distinctive presence, a warm personality, a life well lived.  Our sincerest condolences for your loss, love each other hard, our thoughts are with you.
Guillermo, Axelle, Pablo, Carmen Pizarro Janczur

Nuno and the "boys",

We were really shocked to get your news and felt so helpless because we were so far away in Italy. 

I first met Debbie over 30 years ago when she was living in London and, although we were separated by the Atlantic and only saw each other every couple of years, I'm proud to say that she remained one of my best friends for over three decades.

It was great to see her happy and settled with Nuno and bringing up such a great trio of boys. Robbie and I were delighted she made it to our wedding in the UK. Later Debbie was a wonderful "honorary godmother" for our two "kids" who really looked forward to seeing her whenever we were over in Toronto.

Robbie and I will really miss Debbie's arcerbic wit, her enthusiasm, her kindness, and her willingness to go out of her way to help her friends.

Our thoughts are with you all.

Nuno, Marcus, Luke and JG,
So unbearably sad. I'll never forget Debbie's kindness to Oliver and his love for her cooking. And she was always the coolest hockey mom in the arena! Our love, Sue and Oliver.

Paulino family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss, I worked with Deb, she was a sweet lady , she will be very missed.

Elias M.

Nuno,

 Hold on tightly to the memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength and always remember that you and your family are in our prayers. My condolences from my family to yours .

Tony Roman and Family

Dear Nuno,

I was shocked to hear the news of Deb's passing just now from Harold Mandelbaum (old Flashcut accountant). And deeply saddened. Deb as an amazing person and a wonderful friend to me during the Flashcut days. 

Please know my thoughts are with you and the boys during this time of sorrow.

Michel Jones

Dear John and Family
We are sorry to hear about Deb. She was a wonderful lady and will be very missed.If you need any thing just call. 
      Don and Lynda Kelowna B.C

Nuno, we are deeply saddened by the news of Debbie's passing.  I had never met her before, but could clearly see that you had a very close and loving family. You and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers.  Take good care of each other...

Dear Nuno and family,

We were so sorry to hear about Deb. She was magnificent in presence and in personality. Via the brief conversations we had at various Winona events, it was so obvious she adored her family.

Nuno and Boys -
We are saddened by your loss. Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. The service on Saturday was wonderful. A true celebration of the life and love Deborah shared with you. Bless you.

Dear Nuno,

I am so saddened to hear of Debbie's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys during this time. May you find some peace with your memories of her.

With my deepest sympathies,
Cynthia Heyd

Dear Paulino Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss.  Every time I spoke to Deborah, I was struck by what a wonderfully wise, generous, kind and giving woman, wife and mother she was.  My thoughts are with you.
Susan Cosburn

What I know of Deb Paulino: We met as young mothers as our first borns became best friends and we discovered, read + shared all the wonders of motherhood. Our families shared many times and a few vacations together and it's been Deb's pragmatic vision and wonderfully wry sense of humour that stands out for me. Now these first borns play rugby together and it's seems a lifetime ago - but really, unfairly, no time at all.

Nuno I know you have fine lads to take care of each other. I know that Deb was strong because she cherished the poet's heart in you. I know that all who loved Deb will carry her in our hearts too.

Hugs to all,
Heather James + Richard Livesley
Mawnan, Courtland and Emma

One of life’s sad observations is “that the older a person is when he dies, the smaller the funeral”.

The chapel was overflowing and my guess is that there were at least 200 people or more paying their last respects.

The service was warm and quite moving.

Nuno, her brother, her sister and a few close friends and neighbours said it all.

What I remember the most is what someone said. “ Deb was a warm and generous person full of kindness and insight who could not abide insensitivity and meanness to others”.

This says it all.

Deb will be missed by all. May G_d bless her memory and family.

I am sending a copy of this to the family.


Some background for the family.


Harold Mandelbaum is a Chartered Accountant who interviewed  Deborah Szyszkiewicz for a position with Michel Jones Editing which later became Flashcut, which later became marriage with Nuno which later became  Lucas, John and Marcus.

Gus Xilias is a Chartered Accountant who in his carrier met Deb at Flashcut and then later ended up in Hong Hong remaining as a friend. 


I last spoke to Deb in the fall of 2010 and Gus brought me up to date early this week.

Nuno, I wanted to say how beautiful the service was today. I wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss. I attended with Brian Noon and are thoughts are with you and your family.
John Terry

Debbie was one of the mothers in the 'village' of Seaton Village who helped and  supported me while we raised our families. We laughed and wept over the same milestones and journeyed together on the path of motherhood. 

Our entire family is deeply saddened by the loss of her humour and wit and strength and we extend heartfelt condolences to her family.  

Thinking of you all in your sadness and loss.
the  Meyer-Macaulay's

Dear Nuno, Luke, JG and Marcus
Our deepest sympathies to you all
Terri, Brian, Eden, Emmett and Wyatt Verhoog

Dear Nuno and family,  we would like to express our condolences at the loss of your wife and a great mother.  Remenber deborah personality will never be forgoten , we hope that the boys and you can find the strenght in these difficult times.

A beautiful woman, mother/wife to a beautiful family, she gave my daughter, Blaire, devout friend of her considerate son, JG, a wonderful insight into how to be a joyous , loving, woman. It is through Blaire's glowing descriptions of times together , that we as a family are extremely grateful. She encouraged the great love, my daughter has for life and her whole family....she will always be cherished ...my thanks and peace to you all

Dear Nuno and Family;
I am so sorry for your loss.  I so loved Deb -- she was funny, smart, beautiful and loving.  Even though I didn't know her as well as some I know she was so devoted to you and the boys.  That was apparent every time I saw her.  Her love shined as did her personality.
My thoughts and heart are with you at this most difficult time.
Peace to you and the boys.
Love, Sarah (little sister)

Dear Nuno
We would like to express our deepest sympathies from our family to yours.

Rose and Steve Underwood

I have very fond memories of working with Debbie at Flashcut. She was warm, quick-witted and fun to be with.
Her devotion to husband and family was an  inspiration to all of us.
My deepest condolences to Nuno, the children and all who were close to her.

Dear Nuno, Luke, JG and Marcus,
I wanted to express my condolences at the loss of your beautiful wife and mother. Debbie was a very special woman and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Judy Roseberg

Dear NUNO and the boys.
I remembered the fist days when you moved in next door. Day by day we got to meet you and your family and Deb stood out to be the quater back of the family. Myself and Laura really loved your family as our neighbours. We got to know Deb more than the rest of the family and we tought the world of her. We both are devasted and we feel a part of us has been taken from us. Deb ment a lot to us both as she did with many people. I hope you and the boys can find the strenght to get through this difficult time. May Deb rest in peace..She will be missed..... 
Daryl & Laura

Dear Nuno, Lucas, JG & Marcus

I am so sad that Deb has died but I am trying to concentrate on hearing her voice and her laughter and I can picture her lovely smile. 

We lived together thirty years ago in London and we had the very best times. That formed the basis of our long friendship and I too am heartbroken at her passing.

If it is possible to send you love and heart please know that you have all of mine and that I am thinking of you, but especially on Saturday.

Ann

Dear Nuno, Luke, J.G. and Marcus.
We're thinking of your family during this very difficult time. I've known Deb for 40 odd years and have always considered her an enlightened soul with a heart of gold.  She is truly missed and we do hope you will find the strength to cope and grieve.

To Nuno and the Paulino boys....my sincere condolences.  Stay strong for each other.

Dear Szysckiewicz/Paulino clan,

We extend our deepest sympathy to all the family. Debbie's warmth and generosity clearly touched the lives of many. She will remain in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of meeting her. We are very shocked and saddened by her sudden passing.

With heartfelt condolences,

Helen, Vivian, Carolyn and Martin Pitchik / Osborne

Nuno,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
George & Dimitra Papadeas & Family

Dear Nuno and family

We're deeply shocked and sorry to hear your tragic news, having known Debbie from long before you made a lovely family together. But that's far too short a time.

Thinking of you all,

Charles Gurdon and Camilla Gurdon Blakeley

Dear Nuno,

It was such a shock to hear of Debbie's passing. I am still trying to get over the tragic news. Your wife was such a kind and compassionate person who did so much for others - never expecting anything in return. She was one of those special people who, on their passing, you wonder how you will get along without them. I will be ever thankful for having had the opportunity to know her.

My deepest sympathy is with you and your family. I know that life will not be the same, without her, for you and your boys.

You will all be in our thoughts and prayers, but I know that you will have the strength to get through this very sad and difficult time.

If we can be of any help, do not hesitate to call upon me.

Regards,

Tracey, John, Aiden and Liam

Debbie was a special person who touched many people's lives in our community. She will be in our hearts forever.

Dearest Nuno, Lucas, John-Gabriel, and Marcus,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.  We are absolutely heartbroken for you. Deb was a valiant and courageous woman who loved her family beyond the moon and the stars. As I look at the precious photo gallery, I am reminded of her beautiful smile and gentle spirit. Most of our conversations centered around family and her face always lit up when she spoke about her boys.  Know that you were deeply loved and may that everlasting love keep you comforted now and in years to come. 
With sympathy and love,
Jay, Seva, Tanya, Rosemary, Grace, Tammy, and Navina

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. We will miss our little chats at the rink. George and Margaret Briggs (Murfs Grandparents)

With a very heavy heart, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Nuno,

I am saddened to hear of your loss. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most trying of times.

To so many people, Deb was a larger-than-life personality and, at over 6', a real 'presence' when she came into a room.  She was beautiful, opinionated, strong and generous. The whole neighbourhood is in mourning. 
New Year's was always a small but special ritual and a small band of us have spent most of the last 20 of them together.  New Year's will never be the same now, just another day without Deb.
When I last visited Deb just a week ago, she said of all our lives, "It's just one foot in front of the other Patty."  She is so right.  You can make big plans, but, in getting there, each step is the first one. Hope for the future is found in just being brave enough to take the first and, only then, the next step. 
We share your heartache, we love you Paulinos and we will miss our Deb forever.
Sympathy, Love and Solidarity,
Patty, Graeme and Andrew

Dear Nuno, J.G. Lucas & Marcus - our thoughts and prayers are with you all - we will miss Deb's huge smile,laugh and love.
Maureen & Jerry Ball

Dear Nuno & Family
I am so saddened to hear about Deb. My thoughts are with you. Lean on each other, love each other during this difficult time. 
With sincerest sympathy.
Elaine

Dear Nuno. Luca, John-Gabriel and Marcus. We are thinking of you. Tanis, Robin, Clara and Sophie.

Dear Nuno, Lucas, JG and Marcus, 
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Over the years as friends, Debbie has always been there for both of us--like a sister to me, and a mom to Kale. We are both devastated. 
Debbie's kindness, love, and her wonderful sense of humour will be with us forever, and she will be missed immensely.

Dear Nuno and Family,
Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss.  Deborah was an extraordinary woman who was also a very good friend.  She will be greatly missed.  We are thinking about you during this very difficult time.  
With love, Marco, Matilda, Mark, Janice, Kris, and Steve.

My thoughts are with you, I know how important you and Deb are too each other. Xo

Dear Nuno and family,
I wanted to express my deepest condolences for your loss. Take good care of yourselves during this very difficult time. My thoughts are with you.
Love,
Emma Du Boisson

Dear Nuno, Luke, J.G. and Marcus: We are so saddened to hear of Deb's passing. She loved you all with such passion. We trust that this love will continue to support each one of you throughout the rest of your lives. Unfortunately, we are not in Toronto and are unable to attend the celebration of Deb's life. Please know that our thoughts are with you now, on Saturday and beyond. "Perhaps the saddest loss of all - is no longer being seen through such loving eyes" With heartfelt sympathy, Mick, Cathy, Merryn and Bryn

OBITUARY

Deborah Francis Szyszkiewicz Paulino

August 16, 1959 – July 18, 2011

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