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A Horrible Loss #243319 01/06/15 05:20 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
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Beth Offline OP
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Just two hours ago, I read about the loss of Debbie Hoffren on Facebook. Debbie was a frequent poster here in the past and cruised on Regent and Silversea. She had a great love for Jamacia and the people there. She visited many resorts and booked groups there.

Here is the news article about her death in the Jamacia Observer.

In 2007, I had the opportunity to cruise with Debbie on the Navigator for a 3 night cuuise we called NO NAME. Also along for that ride was Crystal, Sue and Tom O,Kray, Dian Slomowitz and Wes and Ida.

I will remember Debbie for her sometimes out of focus food pictures, our fun night in Don Vito's, our day in Key West, our gambling in Atlantis and many emails and online chats. She was a dedicted Travel Agent and friend to many. So, so sorry she had to die in this manner.

Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: Beth] #243320 01/06/15 09:32 PM
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KarenS Offline
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Just so crazy, Beth. I never met Debbie but I do remember her posting here in the past.


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: Beth] #243330 01/06/15 09:54 PM
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Betty Offline
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She loved Jamaica, as do I. Such a tragedy.


Betty
Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: Beth] #243332 01/06/15 10:11 PM
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ColonelWes Offline
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Beth, thanks so much for posting--just saw Todd's (Debbie's husband's facebook post)..so sad. Ida and I recall fondly our time with Debbie, Todd, Sue, Tom, Diane Crystal and you on NoName. Debbie was one of the top Sandals all inclusive resorts travel agents world wide. Todd and her were developing their own Apartments in Jamaica which would give back (employment) to Jamaica. Echo Betty's comment above--a very sad tragedy--Debbie was friendly, had a big heart and was generous.

Did send Debbie's email (hoping Todd is monitoring) a copy of this thread.

Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: Beth] #243334 01/06/15 10:29 PM
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southernlady Offline
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This is so sad. I'd been keeping up with Debbie's apartment plans on FB as she had been posting photos. What a tragedy.


Donna

I write about active travel for baby boomers: www.myitchytravelfeet.com
Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: Beth] #243335 01/06/15 10:54 PM
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R
RachelG Offline
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Very sad indeed. I never met her in person but read her posts. She seemed to be a very fun and lively person. So tragic.

Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: Beth] #243336 01/07/15 08:22 AM
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Betty K Offline
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Very sad!


Betty

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Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: ColonelWes] #243341 01/07/15 03:06 PM
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Beth Offline OP
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Originally Posted by ColonelWes
Did send Debbie's email (hoping Todd is monitoring) a copy of this thread.


Wes, thanks for emailing the thread link to Todd. I hope all the outpouring of wonderful Debbie stories help him heal.

Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: Beth] #243358 01/09/15 11:55 AM
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azgkrudi Offline
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I am utterly stunned to hear this. I knew Debbie during the years we were going to Sandals, before we started going on cruises. I am not on Facebook, so I do hope Todd reads this thread and knows that he is in our thoughts and prayers after this terrible tragedy.


Kristin

Paul Gauguin's Tere Moana-12/14
Voyager-10/08, 11/10
Navigator-05/07, 5/09, 10/11
Paul Gauguin-6/06, 12/07
Silver Shadow-12/06
Silver Whisper-11/05, 12/04
Silver Wind-4/04
Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: Beth] #243367 01/10/15 12:02 PM
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Sue&TomInGeorgia Offline
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Debbie was one of a kind; she really loved the people and the island of Jamaica. She arranged many fund raising events for the schools/children in Jamaica. She traveled all over the island and her life was taken to soon; she will be missed! I first met Debbie when I sold travel and she was a client. Later she became an agent and we met several times at various Sandals resorts. The most fun we had with her was on No Name with Beth, Crystal, Diane, Ida and Wes. She was so thoughtful and gave us all Christmas cards and gifts. She had a heart of gold!


Sue
"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in" Robert Orben
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Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: Beth] #243385 01/12/15 08:11 PM
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Beth Offline OP
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Thanks, Sue, I really enjoyed meeting Debbie on NoName. She was so much fun, so giving and full of life. I truely can't belive she is gone and had to die in such a horrible way.

Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: Sue&TomInGeorgia] #243699 02/06/15 05:01 PM
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TedC Offline
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Jamaica has a reputation of VIOLENCE!

Guests at resorts are told NOT to venture away from the resort! HEED the warning!



"Life is far too serious to be taken seriously."
Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: Beth] #243700 02/06/15 06:47 PM
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FDV72 Offline
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So Terrible:

One of the highest homicide rates of any Island its size in the world and thats been going on for more than 20 years, Went there in 1995 Vowed I would Never go back, cruise stopped there in 2000 I walk on the pier for 5 minutes and went back on the ship..

Re: A Horrible Loss [Re: Beth] #243701 02/07/15 12:01 AM
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azgkrudi Offline
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We have been to Jamaica so many times, we lost count. Both land vacations and cruise stops. It was our first trip on an airplane at age 20. Out of all the countries we have been to, the Jamaicans have been the friendliest and most welcoming. You just need to keep your wits about you and stay in areas that are not known for crime. We have been all over the island and never felt unsafe. From what I understand, Debbie was helping to make a condo development and was away from the standard tourist areas. The crime was not random; the contractor had it out for her. Big difference between that and your usual vacation stay or cruise ship visit.


Kristin

Paul Gauguin's Tere Moana-12/14
Voyager-10/08, 11/10
Navigator-05/07, 5/09, 10/11
Paul Gauguin-6/06, 12/07
Silver Shadow-12/06
Silver Whisper-11/05, 12/04
Silver Wind-4/04

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