Penetanguishene past council member dies, town lowers flags

Late Penetanguishene councillor Debbie Levy. (Town of Penetanguishene)

Flags in Penetanguishene will be at half-mast for the next few days, as the town mourns a former member of council.

The town announced Friday that Debbie Levy, once a member of town council, died following a battle with cancer.

Levy was council member for 15 years; with her first stint from 2000 to 2003 and her second stint from 2010 to 2022.

“Debbie cared deeply about Penetanguishene and the people who call it home,” Mayor Doug Rawson said in a statement shared by the town.

“She brought passion, integrity and heart to her years of service on council and she was someone who always wanted the very best for our community,” Rawson added.

“Many residents knew Debbie not only as a councillor, but a welcoming face behind The Reading Room,” said Rawson.

Levy owned The Reading Room, a downtown Penetanguishene used bookstore. A store the town refers to as a "gathering place for community members."

In the statement, Rawson went on to express his condolences to the family of Levy, on behalf of the town and council.

“Her contributions to this town will not be forgotten and her absence will be felt by many,” he said.

According to the town, Levy died on Thursday evening.