Deborah Marie Sloane was born in Toowoomba on the 29th of March 1974. Her parents, Jim and Margaret Sloane were so proud of their beautiful baby girl. Her sister Alex is seven years older than her, and her sister Jessica followed seven years later. Even though there was quite an age difference the three sisters had a uniquely close relationship.

In a stable, loving and supportive family, Deb grew into a friendly and confident child. She was popular with peers and also collected adult family friends like Bryce and Anne who nicknamed her ‘the butterfly’. Her creative and artistic talents, nurtured by the adults around her, were fast developing. The family moved to Goombungee in her later primary school years. She graduated primary school as ‘Champion All Rounder’. At Oakey High, Deb was very active and picked up new sports easily, and she did well academically and involved herself in community events like the Junior Show Princess.

In Debbie’s adult years she had a varied career, completing a TAFE course in Hospitality and managing one of the largest bistros in Toowoomba. A hairdressing apprenticeship followed hairstyling at top salons in the Brisbane CBD and in Fortitude Valley. She then became the retail manager of a large, funky homeware/ fashion shop in Brisbane. She completed a business course at night with distinction. She also became involved in organizing fashion parades, CD covers and also advising and inspiring young clothing designers.

Deborah then made the move to the UK to further her fashion career. Deb lived in London working in such establishments as ‘Voyage’ and ‘Joy’. Debs soon had a strong friendship group and enjoyed the London life, but she also missed home and family.

Deb returned to Australia at the end of 2001 to meet her new nephew James and help her parents in setting up systems in their new venture, a pub in Wondai. Deb then moved back to Brisbane to become a qualified travel agent. Torn between Australia and London, she returned to London and her friends and soon found work at ‘Jean Paul Gautier’. She met ‘the one’, Robin Clarkson. They soon fell madly in love. Deb and Robin returned to Australia together in 2004 to meet her baby niece Claire. Debs also shared a birthday party with her brother in law, Fraser and a wonderful beach holiday with her family.

Deb and Robin returned to London, and before long she joined Robin working at the same business consultancy. Deb had been experiencing hearing problems and sought help in 2004. She was diagnosed with high frequency loss in both ears, as well as severe tinnitus. Despite this Deb was quickly promoted, culminating in managing a series of projects to help people in the Creative Industries, something very close to her heart.

Debs and Robin returned again to Australia for Deb to be bridesmaid at a friend’s wedding. While holidaying with family at the Sunshine Coast, she and Robin shared their plans of returning to Australia permanently. In 2006, Deb began to plan a Christmas engagement to Robin, and a family. They planned to open a funky bistro/music shop/clothing business at the Sunshine Coast, and a bright and happy future with family.

Deborah Marie Sloane was admitted, for the first time in her life, to the psychiatric unit of a London hospital on 13 December and took her own life while still hospitalized on the 18th of December 2006 at the age of 32. Debs family and partner are shocked and devastated by her sudden, tragic loss and are grieving deeply for all the lost years ahead.

These words were said by her family at her memorial tribute in Australia:

"A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam, and for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world: but then it flies again. And though we wish it could have stayed, we feel so lucky to have seen it."

Robin Clarkson
Jim and Margaret Sloane
Fraser, Alex, James and Claire Brimblecombe
Jessica Sloane and Katherine Hams

Click here to download a form for donations in memory of Deborah.

Top
Back to Memorial Wall