Obituary of Kerry Leigh Debreuil

On Sunday, November 5, 2023, our lives were forever changed as we said goodbye to a remarkable woman.

Kerry Leigh Debreuil (formerly Schlingerman) was not only a loving mother (Ashleigh-Mae Debreuil and Delaney-Shea Debreuil), adoring grandmother (Kayleigh and Jaxson), truly devoted partner (Chris Thiessen), compassionate daughter (Sue Schlingerman-Petersen), younger sibling (Darin Schlingerman) but a beacon of strength and love that departed this world unexpectedly.

Born and raised in Calgary AB, her heart remained rooted there, even as she chose to raise her family and watch it grow in Manitoba and later Ontario. In Winnipeg, she found the true love of her life, a partner who showed Kerry the meaning of unconditional love and brought light back into her world.

Kerry was a woman with many talents, all stemming from her creative eye for design. Her children fondly recall having the best costumes on Halloween which Kerry handmade, having a home with the most beautiful gardens and a uniqueness that came from the many household renovations Kerry set out to accomplish. Everywhere Kerry went, she left a permanent mark, her positive outlook and ability to find the silver lining made her a haven for those around her. Family and friends could always rely on her charisma, infectious smile, laughter, kind heart, and yes, even her touch of sarcasm, to navigate through times of need.

Despite facing physical challenges later in life, Kerry’s passion, desire and dedication led to many accomplishments in her lifetime. Balancing an education in criminology while independently raising two daughters, she pursued a brief but impactful career in law enforcement, which unfortunately ended due to an injury that changed the course of her life forever. Undeterred by physical setbacks, Kerry remained a constant presence in her daughters’ lives, always seeking opportunities to demonstrate her love and pride for them.

In recent years, she embarked on new adventures with her partner Chris, taking up hunting and fishing. She loved being out on the boat and even became quite a good shot. There was nothing she could not do when she set her mind to something.

As we remember Kerry, let’s celebrate how she touched our lives. Share your cherished memories and stories with her family, as these are the threads that will keep her presence alive in our hearts for years to come.

A private service will be held in her honor and we kindly ask you to reach out to immediate family for details.