Debbie Powell, Sign language teacher and highly-respected member of the local deaf community in Peterborough, died of cancer at home yesterday.
Debbie made many friends in the local deaf community through her sign language teaching, which enabled her to help ranks of local people learn the language. She held a passion for and knowledge of BSL that she was able to cheerfully and expertly pass on.
Debbie will also be fondly remembered for her goodwill towards other deaf people. Debbie coordinated a fortnightly drop-in service to give others an opportunity to meet and socialise and had previously also been actively involved with Peterborough Deaf Club.
Many readers will remember the story of Debbie’s journey as she fought off brain cancer for the first time, told here on The Limping Chicken last year. Debbie explained how she had to remain awake during surgery to save her speech.
The manner in which she lived her life during those tough recent years serves as an inspiration; she remained positive, good humoured and dignified. Soon after Debbie recovered from the effects of brain surgery, which included not being able to read for a time, she then defeated breast cancer and demonstrated her strength and resilience again as she returned to teaching. In that period of good health, she taught over 100 more students how to sign.
Debbie will be sorely missed by her friends and students who will have their own memories of her excellent humour, skilful teaching and generosity of spirit towards the local deaf community; a community whose thoughts are with Debbie’s parents, husband and two children as they bear the full impact of this tragic loss.
By Andy Palmer
Details of Debbie’s funeral will be posted on The Cambridgeshire Deaf Association’s website in due course.
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Christine Drake
October 2, 2014
Andy Thank you very much for taking the time to leave this tribute to our Debbie
your words will be treasured forever. Mick and Chris Debs Mum and Dad
Andy
October 2, 2014
Dear Mick and Chris. So, so sorry for your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Andy
Maria Munro
October 2, 2014
I do not know Debbie, but it sounds like she will be truly missed. Debbie sounds like an inspirational role model to us all, to be diagnosed with Cancer several times and still remain positive demonstrates great strength and optimism. My thoughts are with family and friends at this sad time x
heidi seldon
October 2, 2014
Debbie was one in a million. Her acheivements in life were aided by have fantastic parents, whom she told me the story of why her speech was so good. The many hours of having to read aloud books. Also having a loving husband and two wonderful children, whom were her world. I can’t believe she has gone and I don’t have my friend around anymore for long chats over tea and cake. Taken to soon but gave a brave fight till the end. My sympathies are with her parents, dave, steph and tom. Xxx
lucasnadienNadien Lucas
October 2, 2014
I felt humbled reading this amazing woman’s story. Debbie please rest in peace My heartfelt condolences to Debbie’s husband, children, parents & family. Memories are only a thought away for everyone who knew Debbie. x
Jill
October 2, 2014
Mick and Chris – what a truly wonderful and courageous daughter you had in Debbie. I hope you manage to find some comfort in the knowledge that she brought so much joy into the lives of so many people. My thoughts are with you, her husband, children and all the family. Bless you xx
Sally Hogan
October 3, 2014
Dear Debbie and to her family I am so very sorry to hear that Debbie had died after having been so brave and so positive in her fight with cancer I can only imagine how hard it must have been to watch Debbie fighting on as I am at this moment watching my mum fighting cancer daily knowing that she is going to die at any moment but remember that both Debbie and my mum know that they are not alone as we are there every day supporting them. God bless you all and may she rest in peace. Sallyxx
Lynne
October 4, 2014
I am deeply saddened to hear this news. I was fortunate enough to have met and worked with the lovely Debbie setting up training in BSL in Peterborough. There’s another bright star in the sky tonight. 🙁 x
Mich....
October 8, 2014
Debbie was an inspiration to us all. I never saw her without a warm smile. Debbie would do anything to help others, nothing was too much. I will miss you ‘Boss’ now go teach the angels to sign!!!