Ms. Halderman taught me for two years in high school band. She is the reason I met my best friend, and indirectly, I think she had more influence on our lives than any of us knew. My favourite memory of her is right after an early morning rehearsal - someone had brought in a karaoke machine and the trumpets and the saxes were singing in the instrument room. Haldy walked in and it got quiet until she took the mic and started singing Celine Dion. One of the last days I saw her, she was in the process of ripping quotes out of her daily calendar. She stopped to hand me one, saying it reminded her of me. It's still pinned to my bulletin board in my bedroom today, and it still guides me. Haldy had a way of seeing you and knowing who you could become before you did. I think it's what made her such a fantastic teacher, and I'm so thankful our paths crossed.

Sending sincere condolences to Paige & Jacob & their families. Just found out from Karlee so sorry to hear about your Mom. Will treasure all of our awesome memories from the cabin- floating down the river at Water Valley, skating on the dug out, visiting at the campfires, Deb taking off her watch at the beginning of summer holidays, Sarah calling Deb a "big blueberry muffin" when she looked after our girls. Such a kind, big hearted lady! Awesome laugh & sense of humor! Doing willow chairs with Deb & Phyllis such fun! Lovely memories, will treasure always! Please message me on Facebook Paige & Jacob if u want. Take care❤️

Calgary Public Teachers' Local 38 of the ATA sends condolences on the loss of one of our own. A memorial donation will be made in Deb's name at our Annual Representative Assembly in May. We hope Deb's loved ones find solace in this sad time.

Stephani Clements, President

Jacob and Paige, sending you big hugs. My deepest sympathy. Your mom was amazing! We had so much fun working and laughing together backstage at many Calgary Boys’ Choir concerts herding boys on and off stage. Love to you both.

Anne Hodgson

I met Deb when she moved into married student residence to complete her education degree. I met her family while preparing projects and falling in love with Jake and Paige who were 3&5 at the time. Deb and I loved teaching and loved laughing. There were many shenanigans at university, and in their backyard over a fire pit. I feel so lucky to have had Dev for a friend and colleague, and to know the kids as they grew up. I’m so sad for everyone who will miss her big chortle and laugh and willingness to make a pot of coffee for any friend who arrived at her door for a visit. XO Tanis

Deb was a valued member of the staff at both Simon Fraser and Crescent Heights High School. She is missed.

Deb I miss you so much already. I will miss all the stories about your kids and I always admired your deep devotion to them. You had the best sense of humor and the most infectious laugh. I will miss your advice about the kiddos I work with and your June count down until I was done for the summer. I will miss seeing you in your housecoats and the end of the year burn of them. My favorite memory of you is when your drove the quad down to see me, that dent in it has a lot of sentimemtality now.I always admired your fighting spirit and your blunt wisdom. Paige and Jacob the few times I met you I saw your mom in you and I know she will live inside of you always. Rick I am so sorry she left you too soon, you definitely were the love of her life. I always thought it was so cute how she would doll herself up for the day you would come out to the campsite. She always talked about you with a twinkle in her eye. The world is definitely going to be a different world without and Deb you truly blessed many lives. I will always cherish our friendship. Sending so much love and support to you all. Xo Renae Culver

Ms. Halderman taught both my brother and I during our high school years and I have to say she was easily my favourite teacher in high school. She took her job seriously but was extremely kind and was always there to help her students. I had a lot of issues going on in high school, to the point where I had to miss 3 straight months of grade 12, and I almost didn't graduate. But Ms. Halderman supported me even though I was no longer taking band at that point and on graduation day, just before I walked out on stage, she gave me a big hug and told me how proud she was that I succeeded. That moment really stuck with me. I regret not staying in touch with her, and hearing about her passing was absolutely heartbreaking. Thank you for everything Ms. Halderman, and please rest in peace.

I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to Deb’s family at such a difficult time.

We come into this life experience with a purpose, and Deb’s purpose couldn’t have been clearer. You always hear about the impact that people can have when being in a teaching profession, but not often enough do you get to hear the actual stories and impact that it does have. I was so incredibly blessed to spend my three years at Crescent Heights in the band program, and under the leadership, mentoring and guidance of Deb. It was a class that I could be myself, learn new skills, feel safe and be a part of something bigger. Deb fostered a classroom of inclusivity, a place where you can bring your whole self and be celebrated for your talents and gifts. When I think of my school years and the teachers that had a great impact on my life, Deb very much sat at the top of that list. She was selfless, always giving her students 110%. I will forever be grateful and cherish all the learnings and memories.

I’m so sad to hear about Deb’s passing. She was a huge supporter of the Junior High feeder program and spent many hours working with my band students at Valley Creek. We attended many concerts, workshops, and conferences together over the years and I enjoyed her company and our “adventures”. RIP Deb❤️

Deb was one of my Student teachers many moons ago and we had a GREAT time together as she perfected her skill as a teacher! I know that ALL of her students learn a lot about music and life from Deb!

Condolences to Ricky, Paige and Jacob and the rest of the family! My thoughts and prayers are with you All!

Larry Blenkin

My dear friend, what can I say except I will love and miss you forever. Jacob, Paige and Ricky - you made sure Mom / Deb had someone with her every day for the last seven months of her life. That is extraordinary and is just one demonstration of your deep love for her. Deb was my friend for more than 40 years and we had the opportunity to revisit many of our youthful adventures. So many laughs, so many wonderful memories. She will remain in our hearts forever.

Words cannot describe the overwhelming emotions being felt by me, after hearing the news of Ms. Halderman's passing. Halderman's love for her work and care for her students was felt among many, to a point where the classroom setting felt like a family gathering. I wish that I had been able to talk to her once more, and hear her words of encouragement. The same sort of encouragement that helped me overcome my fears and doubts when performing. Once more, I wish that I could display the musical talent she had helped me developed.

I pray for Ms. Halderman and her family. You will forever be missed and remembered.

Deb was a wonderful person we got to know her at our happy place at the lobstick campground where she was always smiling and sharing millions of laughs my deepest condolences to Deb s family and friends you were an amazing woman and friend we will miss you and you will always have a place in our heart and thoughts rest in peace Deb and my deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family love Matthew drapeau

Ms Halderman was THAT teacher. She touched so many of us in high school. She was right there walking us through from day one all the way to graduation. Early morning band practice, evening jazz rehearsals, valentines dances, our meow language we used to confused everyone else in the class. She was there encouraging me to play my first flute solo, calming me down the first time I took a plane, and made the most hilarious speech on our graduation stage. These memories I cherish, and will remember forever. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

We love you Haldy. She really made my high school life so much fun and exciting. It was always a pleasure being able to walk into the band room in the morning and playing music with her. She’d always have a Tims coffee with her and loved to talk. It was so much fun being in that room, learning from her and listening to her talk about her family. Haldy was one of the teachers that inspired me to become one. We will miss you dearly. Thank you for your mentorship.

I have so much love for you and I am so sorry you had to leave Paige, Jacob, and Ricky. Thank you for teaching me how to navigate through adversity with humor and sass, but especially thank you for seeing something special in me.

She was the greatest teacher I ever had if it wasn’t for her and band class I wouldn’t have finished high school I’m so sorry for your loss she was the greatest of all time

I'm so sad to hear the news of Ms. Halderman's passing. She really was THAT teacher. I'll never forget her kindness and care for all her students. I loved walking across from the drama room to the band room to chat with her. My condolences to the family.

I am so sorry to hear about (Deb’s) Mrs. Halderman’s passing , she was so inspirational, kind, and caring. I know she touched my life in a special way and she will have a special place in my heart. I hope family finds peace in knowing how much of an impact she had on so many.