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Deborah Lorine Christen
Deborah Lorine Christen
Obituary
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Deborah Christen Obituary
I am survived by my amazing loving parents Ruth and Scott Brigley, magnificent and beautiful sisters Paula Turner (Ryan) and Linda Brigley, and their phenomenal children (and my fantastic nephews) Jonah, William, Christopher, and Cameron. I am also survived by my strong and good-natured mother-in-law Jackie Christen, superb and always generous in-laws Brett, Angela and Joe Vescio, and super-nieces Teddy, Lil and Annika. I was so blessed to call these people my family. They were my heartbeat, my joy, and my foundation. I chose to live HAPPY, and these people allowed "my happy" to flourish. Being part of the Christen/ Brigley team has given me a complete life of love, adventure, and joy. I do not know what I did to deserve this crew, but I can only assume it must have been remarkable!
I was predeceased by my grandparents Angus and Florence Arklie, and Earl and Daisy Brigley, my sister-in-law, Brenda Christen, and my father-in-law Doug Christen. I look forward to being reunited with them -yes even debating with Doug.
To my team of compassionate medical professionals, Dr. Zwicker, Devon Hennigar, Dr. Colwell, VON and Northwood Caregivers -thank you for listening and respecting my wishes and needs. You are champions of our HRM Capital Health.
I loved life, loved my family and friends, and loved to laugh and make others laugh. My humour was my shield, my welcome mat, but sometimes ruffled feathers. Sorry to anyone that felt ruffled- please know it was always for fun not malice.
My interests included painting, writing, stacking wood, entertaining, home d?cor and DIY'ing. Armed with paint brushes, glue guns and determination- I felt unstoppable!
No funeral services will be conducted as per my request. A gathering with friends and family will be held in the family home. I apologize that I will not be there to greet you, but believe me I will be very present.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice and do a good deed to someone that does not expect it. Choose HAPPY and spread that everywhere.
I will see all of you on the other side!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Darlene O'Neill
December 12, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Darlene O'Neill
December 12, 2023
Curves in 2009 - Deb was always such a physically fit gal!!!
Linda Shea-White
February 6, 2023
Deborah and me in elementary school.
Dawn(Clattenburg) Fry
January 29, 2023
My deepest condolences to the Brigley family and Christen family. I grew up in Princes Lodge and knew the Brigley girls but was more her sister Paula´s age. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Gina Paterson
January 28, 2023
I am sadden to hear of Deborah's passing. She was a kind and friendly lady who loved her family dearly. My deepest sympathies to you Bruce, Ryan, Brandon, and your families.
William MacNeil
January 25, 2023
My sincerest condolences to Bruce, his sons and the Brigley & Christen families on their loss of their loving wife, devoted mother and treasured family member, Deborah Christen. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill MacNeil
'Seadrift'
Byron Bay, NSW,
Australia
Emma Warrillow
January 24, 2023
As a friend of Brenda´s, I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of another smart funny Christen woman. I never got to meet Deborah but her obituary tells me I would have loved her. My thoughts are with you all as you process your losses and dwell on the memories of happier times.
Janet and Philip Pilgrim
January 23, 2023
We are so sad to hear of Deborah's passing. She was a remarkable woman, so fun and funny. It breaks our hearts thinking of what your family is going through. Our deepest condolences to Bruce, the boys and your family. Janet and Philip
Brooke Noftle
January 22, 2023
This is so sad and tragic. Sincere condolences go out to the Brigley and Christen families. I remember Debbie well, growing up on Lodge Drive in Halifax... I think my first memory of her dates to November, 1969. Though it has been many years since we last met, I was very saddened to learn of her untimely passing. What a positive attitude toward life she had! Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Brooke Noftle and family.
Alison (Welch) Egelhoff
January 22, 2023
Ah, dear Deb...we did share some very memorable experiences...we will have to keep those to ourselves...we can have a good chat about them all when we meet again...thank you for shining your light for all these years...I am sure so many have been brightened by your presence, I know I was, and you left with that same glow and gracious way...your parting words struck me deeply, and I saw yet another layer of lovely to you...I pray you have peace and presence for all those you leave Bless you Deb x Prayers for your two wonderful sons, your husband, parents, sisters and countless friends who will miss your light but will always feel its warmth xx
Claudia
January 22, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Deb´s passing. Deborah was a shining light, full of life and laughter, a beautiful woman inside and out. She seemed to know exactly when someone needed a hug. My sincere condolences to Bruce, Ryan, Brandon and all the rest of the Brigley/Christen family, I hope you find peace knowing that Deb was loved by so many. - C.R.O
Jude turner
January 21, 2023
My heartfelt condolences I was a bookclub friend with Deborah and we shared many laughs and great conversations. She was well loved and I always enjoyed her zest for adventure and life! . Her family was her greatest love Jude turner
Rose Bobbitt
January 21, 2023
She put up a good fight - until she couldn´t anymore. Deborah was a beautiful person inside and out and everyone felt that. Some of the best times in my life are with her in it. We met as neighbours and became friends. Through her I met a lot of wonderful people. She was very social and loved to organize gatherings - like when she had a few of us join a weight loss group. We would go to meetings then go for coffee and laughs - but no donuts! Then she started a walking group where we would walk , talk, rant and laugh our heads off. She started a dinner club where 4 couples got together shared some good meals and laughs - those dinners were legendary. She was always hosting parties and she was good at it. She´s probably in heaven organizing some Golden Girls club where you gather for chats and cheesecake. Save a spot for me Deborah for when I see you again.
My heart goes out to Bruce, Ryan, Brandon, her sisters Paula and Linda, her parents and all those who loved her. This news has hit me hard and I will miss her - but I will always have those wonderful memories.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Rose
Catherine Kelly
January 21, 2023
Dear Bruce, Ryan and Brandon, it is with great sadness I write this note to all you, my deepest sympathies to you and the entire Brigley/Christen family. Although distance kept us apart for more than 13 years now, I have often found myself thinking back to the days when I lived in Hammonds Plains and the fun times I shared with so many people and with Deborah and you guys. Many sunny afternoons in the pool, BBQ dinners, birthdays parties and our trip to PEI together when everyone was so young. Deborah and I became friends while pregnant together, me with Zachary and Deborah with Brandon. It almost feels surreal to know she's gone. She is and will forever be in my heart and I will keep all the good memories of our two families together. Thinking of you all with love and prayers, Cathy
Rob Calhoun
January 21, 2023
We send our deepest condolences to Brenda´s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Rob and Kylie
David Green
January 21, 2023
My deepest condolences go out to the family. We are at a loss for words knowing how you have all gone through so much pain already at this time. Just know that family and friends are thinking of you all, and praying that God will comfort your hearts and give you peace. Sending lots of love: Dave and Penny
Bill Reid
January 21, 2023
My condolences to Bruce and your family. Bill reid
Art Robichaud
January 21, 2023
Bruce,Ilean and I were so saddened to hear of Deborah´s passing.Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Derek Green
January 21, 2023
Bruce and family.
You have our deepest condolences and you and your family are in thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
All of your Calhoun cousins from NB are thinking of you as you deal with these two terrible losses to start 2023.
Derek, Jill and family
David Braha
January 21, 2023
Sincere condolences to Bruce and your family. Thinking of you all at this time.
Michael MacDonald
January 21, 2023
Bruce, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I´m so sorry for your loss.
Michael MacDonald
Mary Myck
January 21, 2023
Bruce and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Debra a couple of times at family events but she sent me a F/B request so we kept in touch that way. She was the kind of person that I would want to be my friend. What a beautiful obituary she wrote. A great testament to her love and courage. My sincere condolences.
Mary Jane (Reid) Myck
Joy Procinsky (nee Horwich)
January 21, 2023
It was with great sadness to hear of Debbie's passing. We were friends since Primary and even though we lost touch after University, I have many fond memories of our friendship. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
Rose Anne MacIsaac
January 21, 2023
So heartbroken to hear about Deborah. We had many laughs at the gym she ran in Hammonds Plains and loved her fabulous Halloween costumes. She so loved her family and was taken too soon. Thinking of you all.
Lloyd Gilbert
January 21, 2023
So sorry to hear of Deborah's passing. My condolences to you Bruce and your family. Take care.
Karen and Craig Butler
January 21, 2023
Deb was such a happy , kind and beautiful friend. She lived such a full life. This is the most heartfelt well written and thought out obituary I have ever read. Deb you really knocked it out of the ball park. We will miss you. Deepest condolences and love to Bruce, Ryan, Brandon and to all the family.
Karen and Craig Butler
Mandie Richard
January 21, 2023
I am so sorry to be reading this; Deb was a magnificent person! Her sense of humour always made me chuckle, and her light-hearted approach made those around her feel safe. My time at Mills remains memorable, in part because of Debs presence. I´m deeply sorry for Bruce and her sons, this loss is a heavy one, and as someone whom also lost their mom way too early, my heart goes out to them both. Sending so much love to all.
Tracy Ann Meade
January 21, 2023
I am so saddened by this news I met Deb in a high school she was such a good friend we had so much fun together you will be missed condolences to the family
Brad Church
January 20, 2023
This saddens me greatly as I didn't know she was suffering. Always a bright soul to those around her. My prayers go out to those she left behind.
Dale Schimpf
January 20, 2023
I am shocked and heart broken to hear this, someone I have known since I was 5. I will forever treasure the last time we spent together this past summer. I loved your humour. My condolences to Bruce, Ryan, Brandon, Ben and the rest of the family.
In your honor, I shoveled the neighbour's driveway tonight, our very first snow the the year.
See you again someday.
Dale Schimpf
Debbie Miller
January 20, 2023
Dear Bruce, Ryan and Brandon, as well as the Brigley´s and The Christen´s, I´m so very sorry for your loss.
Deborah was a special friend to me over the years. We both moved into the subdivision in 1991 and quickly became friends. We also both shared a wedding anniversary in June of 1990. I´ll never forget us both being pregnant with Ryan and Shannon and both being due in Jan of 1994. Deb gave birth about 2 weeks early, and I was 2 weeks late. I told her I was mad she beat me to it... and we laughed about that. Shannon and Ryan quickly became such good friends and we had a lot of fun together. Deb was my weight watcher buddy, along with Rose B, and we´d take our evening walks around the subdivision while chatting up a storm. Although I didn´t get to see you much over the past few years, we texted each other and kept in touch. Now you are gone and I´m heartbroken for your family... and because I´ll miss you so much, my beautiful friend.
You made me laugh and you stayed positive, even when things were tough. You are forever in my heart
Linda Shea-White
January 20, 2023
Deborah was a gem. I told her so many times, and even Just last week. We were not best friends, we were LIFE LONG FRIENDS. She has been a part of my life for all of my memorable life, starting at age 5. Although she warned me, this has left me reeling. I wasn´t ready. I would never have been ready. I am so sad for Bruce, Ryan, Brandon, all of the Brigley and Christen families and her many many many friends. She was a beautiful person, inside and out, and I will never forget her. I will choose happy for you, Deborah, but for now I am incredibly sad and heartbroken.
Linda Shea-White
Beatrice Fudge
January 20, 2023
Condolences to Deborah´s family and friends .she was a friend and coworker .always had a smile and was a pleasure to know May she RIP
Darlene O´Neill
January 20, 2023
To Deborah´s family and friends- I worked with her at Curves. She helped me immensely. She was a beautiful soul, focused as she proclaims on happiness. I am saddened at her loss
however celebrate her life and legacy. May beautiful Deborah be resting in the arms of the angels.
Leigh Noftle
January 20, 2023
I am so very sorry and shocked to hear this. Deb was my entire childhood. I was looking forward to getting together with her more in the future... our mini reunion this past summer was long overdue. My condolences to all the family, Brigleys and Christens.
Angela
January 20, 2023
We are so sorry to hear this news . She was exactly as she described " "Happy " Angela and Douglas
Shannon Clancey
January 20, 2023
Ryan, Brandon, and Bruce, I'm so sorry for your loss. Deborah was an amazing woman and holds a special place in my heart. When ever I would come over after school she always had an exciting activity for us, whether it was a craft or making pizza. Thinking of you all and sending my love.
Leigh Noftle
January 20, 2023
I am in total shock. Deb was my entire childhood. I was so looking forward to seeing her again and atoning for my teenage years when we grew in separate ways. My condolences to all the Brigleys and Christens.
Janice Ainsworth
January 20, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to you Bruce and your families. We are so saddened to hear of such a truly remarkable person leave us all too soon. Deborah was living a happy life and I know her family was everything to her. As one of her book club friends in years gone by we will never forget her sharp mind and quick humour. Janice and Tim Ainsworth
Beth Lamb-Hamilton
January 20, 2023
My sincerest condolences to Paula and the rest of Deb´s family. I feel as if I knew Deb, even just a little, through the many stories that you shared, Paula. The love between sisters runs deep, but I know that Deb will continue to watch over you and your family from above.
Sending love and prayers of comfort.
Beth
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