About Deb's Circle

Deb’s Circle was created to honour the life and legacy of Deb Inglis—an accomplished, compassionate woman whose kindness touched everyone around her. Inspired by her spirit of giving, Deb’s Circle is a community-focused centre dedicated to supporting women’s mental wellness.

We provide a safe, inclusive space where women can connect, express themselves, and access programs rooted in creativity, compassion, and community. Our goal is to reduce isolation, challenge stigma, and ensure no woman feels alone in her journey.

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Our Vision:
A compassionate community where women are supported in their mental wellness.

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Our Mission:

To support women’s mental wellness through creative self-expression and community-based programs.

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Our Values:

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Safe, inclusive, and accessible support

Women helping women through connection and empowerment

Creativity as a pathway to healing and wellness

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Deb’s story reminds us that struggles are often unseen. After her loss in 2017, her family founded Deb’s Circle to raise awareness and create meaningful support for others. Through this work, her legacy lives on—helping women find connection, strength, and hope.

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Deb's Story and the Creation of Deb's Circle

Written by Deb's mother, Esther

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Deb was a sweet, gentle child with a quiet demeanor and a natural curiosity and love of learning. She was cheerful, positive, and passionate about music and the arts. She graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours BSc in Chemistry and Psychology, married the love of her life in 1997, and later welcomed their daughter.

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Deb was defined by her kindness, thoughtfulness, love of family, and professional dedication. She was deeply respected by colleagues, who saw her not as a boss but as a supportive peer. She fostered trust, encouraged others to succeed together, and was a true champion of the underdog. Empathetic and humble, Deb had a way of making people feel valued simply by being around her.

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While she appeared to be “high functioning,” Deb struggled with mental health challenges in the final years of her life—largely in silence. Due in part to stigma and lack of support, she faced these struggles alone. In November 2017, Deb died by suicide.

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In the deep grief that followed, I searched for understanding and purpose. Through a grief support group and learning more about suicide, I began raising awareness, including presenting at a Canadian Mental Health Association conference in 2018. This journey revealed a growing need for compassionate, accessible support for women’s mental wellness. From this, Deb’s Circle was created—grounded in the values Deb lived every day.

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Perhaps if Deb had access to the kinds of services and programs we offer, her story may have been different. By sharing her story, we hope others see themselves and know they are not alone. At Deb’s Circle, women can find connection, support, and the strength to move forward—together.

Our goal is to treat others with the same kindness Deb showed to so many: to look around, support those in need, love one another, and give of ourselves.