Meet Deborah
Both sides of my family cherished their ancestry, sharing stories and capturing moments through countless photos. This rich legacy shaped my life. In 1989, when my Waddell grandmother turned 90, my brother videotaped her recounting her life. That recording sparked a deep curiosity in me—a desire to fill in the blanks and preserve her wisdom. She passed away in 1991, just two months before my first child was born, leaving me with a profound realization: it was now my responsibility to carry our family’s stories forward, ensuring they live on for future generations.
I am proud to live, work, and play in the county of North Glengarry, Ontario.
My passion lies in helping people uncover, preserve, and share their family stories through genealogical research, recorded oral history interviews, and organizing and digitizing cherished photographs. Combining these skills, I can create a meaningful Family History Book tailored to an individual’s or family’s unique legacy.
I am currently on the board of Glengarry Historical Society and manage the FaceBook Page.
I am committed to helping others preserve their family histories through storytelling, interviews, and photo documentation.
I look forward to working with you!
My Background
Family and Roots:
- Family history rooted in Montreal, Laval, and New Brunswick, with ties to United Empire Loyalists and early New England settlers.
- Ancestral connections to England, Scotland and Ireland.
- Deep interest in preserving and honoring family stories and cultural contributions.
Education and Career:
- Professional background includes teaching English as a second language, travel industry roles, and work at Pointe-Claire Public Library.
- Proficient in French and Spanish, with expertise in Quebec genealogy records.
Genealogy Passion:
- Dedicated family archivist for over 30 years, organizing and expanding on oral histories, photographs, and documents.
- Specializes in recording life stories and oral histories, adding depth to genealogical research.
Leadership and Community Engagement:
- Board member of the Quebec Family History Society (QFHS), serving as Bookstore Manager, Corporate Secretary, Vice President, and seminar presenter.
- Past Presentations:
- 2015 “Roots”, QFHS Genealogy Conference, McGill University, Montreal
- British Immigration and Colonization Association (BICA)
- 2018 “Roots”, QFHS Genealogy Conference, McGill University, Montreal
- Quebec directories
- Notarial Records in Quebec
- 2020 “Roots”, QFHS Genealogy Conference, Online
- Notarial Records in Quebec
- 2022 Beaconsfield Newcomer’s Group
- Record your Family History
- 2024 Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Public Library
- Organizing and Digitizing Print Photos
- Organizing your Digital Photos
- 2015 “Roots”, QFHS Genealogy Conference, McGill University, Montreal
Courses and Certifications
2022 Professional Oral History Interviewing, Evalogue.Life
2023 Canadian Records Certificate (ongoing), International Institute of Genealogical Studies. Level 1 complete with distinction.
2024 Professional Photo Manager Certification, The Photo Managers
My Vision
As a Professional Photo Manager, I envision a world where cherished memories are preserved, organized, and celebrated, enabling families to pass down their stories and legacy to future generations with ease.
I am committed to transforming the overwhelming task of managing large photo collections into a seamless, meaningful journey. By understanding my clients’ unique goals and priorities, I aim to craft personalized solutions that honor their memories and reflect their values.
Through services like sorting and organizing photos, digitizing physical collections, creating bespoke albums and memory books, and ensuring secure backup and preservation, I strive to create lasting treasures that can be shared and enjoyed for years to come.
My mission is to empower individuals and families to preserve their history, celebrate their milestones, and create an enduring legacy—one photo at a time.