Statement from the St. John's City Council on the Passing of Councillor Debbie Hanlon

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Councillor Debbie Hanlon. Debbie was a force of nature — her energy, passion, and larger-than-life spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Debbie’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication, resilience and community service. She first joined St. John’s City Council in 2008 as the Ward 4 Councillor. After a brief time away, she returned in 2017 as a Councillor at Large, continuing her mission to make a difference in the lives of the people of St. John’s. Throughout her decade-long service, she was a tireless advocate for her constituents, championing local issues with determination and heart. Additionally, staff were very fond of Debbie and admired her dedication to the community.

Beyond her work in municipal government, Debbie was a trailblazer in business. Her entrepreneurial spirit propelled her to great success, earning her recognition as one of Canada’s top female entrepreneurs and a three-time recipient of Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEO award. Her creativity extended beyond business—she was also a talented children's author, using storytelling to inspire and nurture young minds.

Debbie’s commitment to the community went far beyond the council chambers. Whether raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters, supporting the Singing Legionnaires, or teaching Tae Kwon Do to local youth, she was always giving back, bringing people together, and lifting others up. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her ability to rally people around a cause was unmatched.

Even while bravely battling cancer, Debbie remained steadfast in her commitment to her city. Her incredible tenacity, strength, and grit embodied the spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador—resilient, unwavering, and full of heart. She was known for bringing creativity and joy to everything she did, often donning festive costumes at public events, delighting audiences, and making every occasion more vibrant—especially for seniors, who held a special place in her heart.

A mentor and role model, Debbie was a passionate supporter of women in business. Through her work with the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE), she inspired and guided countless individuals to pursue their dreams and become leaders in their own right. Her encouragement and support helped shape the future of many aspiring entrepreneurs in our province.

Debbie Hanlon will be remembered not only for her remarkable achievements but for the kindness, strength, and joy she shared with the world. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched and in the many contributions she made to our community.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. We are forever grateful for her presence in our lives and will cherish her memory always.

In honour of Debbie, flags will be flown at half-mast at City Hall and other city buildings until sunset of the day of the funeral service.

Sincerely,
The St. John's City Council