Meet Deborah

Waddell Genealogy, Deborah Waddell, Ontario, Canada, Scanning services of all photo sizes, documents, scrapbook albums and memorabilia to be organized alongside your photo collection
Record Family History, Genealogy, Oral History, Photo Organizing, Scanning, Digitization, Alexandria, Ontario, Canada, Deborah Waddell

Preserving the Photos—and Stories—That Matter Most

Hello, I’m Deborah Waddell—a Legacy Preservation Specialist with a passion for helping people protect and celebrate their family memories.

Both sides of my family valued their ancestry, capturing moments through countless photographs and passing down stories that connected generations. This legacy shaped my life.

In 1989, when my Waddell grandmother turned 90, my brother recorded her sharing memories of her life. That video sparked something in me—a deep desire to preserve stories before they’re lost. When she passed away just two years later, shortly before my first child was born, I realized it was now my turn to carry our family’s legacy forward.

What I Do

My work starts with photo organizing and digitizing—a vital step in safeguarding your family’s visual history. Whether your collection is in shoeboxes or scattered across devices, I can help you bring order and preservation to the images that matter most.

From there, we can go further—if and when you’re ready:

  • Genealogical Research – Fill in the blanks and discover your roots
  • Oral History Interviews – Record your stories in your own voice
  • Memory Transcription – Turn spoken memories into written narratives
  • Family History Books – Create a keepsake that combines photos, stories, and family history into a meaningful heirloom

Each of these services can stand alone or be part of a larger legacy project—it’s up to you.

About Me

I live, work, and play in beautiful historic North Glengarry, Ontario, where I proudly serve on the board of the Glengarry Historical Society and manage its Facebook Page.

Preserving family stories—especially through photographs—is both my calling and my joy.
I’d be honoured to help you preserve yours.

👉 Let’s get started—contact me today!

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
    •  2025 Glengarry Historical Society
      • Glengarry Home Children

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.

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