Condolence From: Lori Piitz
Condolence: I just now heard of Debra’s passing and would like to send my heartfelt condolences to Debra’s family. I studied at U of O shortly after Debra arrived. We only became friends, though, after I left. I would return to the music library over the years to prepare for graduate exams or other presentations whenever I was in town visiting my family. As with countless other students, Debra became a source of knowledge, guidance and friendly help. I always looked forward to seeing her when I was in town and was glad for the opportunity of getting to know her better. Such a lovely lady. I was so sad to hear of her passing, and I will miss her.
Monday July 06, 2020
Condolence From: Mary Curran
Condolence: Dear Begg and Hopkins Family:
My condolences for your loss which is a large one: Debra was a wonderful woman, friend and colleague. I now live in Sarnia and was very sad that I could not attend the celebration of Deb’s life. Instead, In memory of Debra and with the sponsorship of several other of Deb’s colleagues who esteemed Debra as much as I did, I will be walking in the Terry Fox Run here in Sarnia on Sept. 15th. I will be thinking of the good times we all shared together with Debbie. Rest In Peace dear Debra. Mary Curran née Ratsoy
Thursday August 29, 2019
Condolence From: Laurel Henderson
Condolence: My condolences to the Begg family.
Thursday August 29, 2019
Condolence From: Gilles Daneau
Condolence: The news of Debbies'death greatly saddened me. I had the pleasure of closely working with her everyday for about twemty-five years. My heartfelt condolences.
Wednesday August 28, 2019
Condolence From: Hugh & Cathy
Condolence: Our thoughts are with you and your family. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Wednesday August 28, 2019
Condolence From: Sean Done
Condolence: Debbie will be missed.
I owe her so much! I cannot count the number of times Debbie saved the day! She was always so eager to help with anything despite always looking like she had something on the go. Such a wonderful human being!
Tuesday August 27, 2019
Condolence From: Luc Bedard
Condolence: All my heartfelt condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working at the Music Library alongside Debbie for many years. I always admired her dedication to every single student, faculty and visitors. She treated everyone with the same care and respect, regardless if they were first year student or the Governor General.
She was the best type of boss one could have as she always gave credit when credit was due, gently pushed me when I needed to be and firmly stand by me when the need occur. Never in 15 years did she refer to me as an employee, but always presented me as her esteemed colleague. She taught me everything I know about doing research in musicology and made my days more interesting.
Knowing her was a blessing and so will be her memory.
Tuesday August 27, 2019
Condolence From: Roxane Prevost
Condolence: Although Debbie was always receptive to questions and requests in the library, she was also very kind and thoughtful. When the music library relocated and duplicate recordings were being pulled out of the collection, she sorted through the pile and put aside a stack of recordings by Canadian composers for me. She did this extra work simply because she knew that I would appreciate the recordings. She will be missed.
Monday August 26, 2019
Condolence From: Christina Linklater
Condolence: It was because of Debra that I became a music librarian myself. Debra (never "Ms. Begg," she laughed her merry laugh the one time I tried) showed me how interesting and vitally important the work is, and gave me my very first job in a music library, as a (slightly hapless) weekend circulation desk clerk. When I returned to librarianship more seriously several years later and pursued a position as a cataloguer, she wrote letters of reference, offered job interview tips, and was just generally a warm-hearted and steady supporter. I still think of her shining example nearly every day, and have always felt so lucky that she was the one to welcome me into the profession.
Monday August 26, 2019
Condolence From: Rick and Nancy Henderson
Condolence: Our deepest sympathy to David, Suzanne, and Gregg for the loss of Debra. We are deeply saddened by the double loss that you have had to endure. You will be in our prayers to lend support to you and your extended families at this difficult time.
Rick and Nancy Henderson, Kemptville Ontario
Monday August 26, 2019
