“She was an incredible woman with the biggest heart, a beautiful soul, and a way of lighting up every room she walked into,” they wrote.
“And if there’s one thing we all know, it’s that she sure knew how to party.”
The family said they’d soon share more details about when Gregory’s celebration of life events would be held.
“For now, please take a moment to think of mum, remember how she lit up your life, have a little dance or a laugh in her honour, or give your own mum the biggest squeeze from us.”
Debs Gregory, a Ray White Glen Eden real estate agent and beloved West Auckland community member, passed away surrounded by family and friends.
‘Squeezed every single drop out of life’
Trish Adams, co-owner of the business behind Ray White Glen Eden, said her team’s office “and my life, will never quite be the same without her”.
“She was so much more than an exceptional colleague, she was also a fiercely loyal friend, a confidante, and the vibrant beating heart of our Ray White Glen Eden family,” she said.
Gregory’s two decades as a “highly successful” real estate agent helping countless locals into homes was only matched by the human legacy she left behind, Adams said.
That was “her straight-up, honest advice, her warm, echoing laugh, and the way she made everyone she crossed paths with feel genuinely valued”.
More than anything, Gregory’s world revolved around her family, Adams said.
“She lived her life entirely for her beautiful girls – Myja, Jorja, and Paris – and her son-in-law, Jason.
“Every ounce of her tireless energy was dedicated to them and her wider whānau.
“I will forever cherish the memory of catching up over coffee just to hear her talk about her girls with such immense pride and joy.”
Yet she still had room for others, with the “same big, beautiful heart” extending to “everyone around her”.
Adams said “Debs” gave her time to support Vision West and always rallied the Ray White office behind charity drives like the “Ride for Hope”.
Gregory also knew how to let her hair down – “whether she was front and center at a concert singing her heart out, or excitedly planning her next big travel adventure”.
“When she was closer to home, you’d usually find her smashing out a training session at F45 or BBM, out on the water proudly representing with her dragon boat family, or just enjoying a peaceful walk with her beloved pug, Nala.”
Adams said Gregory lived with a “brilliant vibrancy, fiercely loving her family and her friends, and leaving a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know her”.
“Rest in peace, my dear friend. We will miss you more than words can say.”
Passionate paddler
One of Gregory’s biggest passions was paddling, with the Auckland Dragon Boat Association posting a tribute to social media and calling her a “special” member of its whānau.
“Bubbly, cheeky, funny and full of life, she brought so much warmth, laughter and joy to those around her,” the association said.
“She was someone you couldn’t help but smile around, and we know she will be deeply missed by so many.”
It said Gregory had been looking forward to paddling in the upcoming Pan Pacific Masters Games.
“She will be very much in the hearts of her fellow paddlers as they take to the water, with their races dedicated to her memory.”
A regular Hauraki Blues club paddler, Gregory also took a seat with the Steel Dragons, who called her a “beautiful soul”.
”We were honoured to share our waka with you at Nationals this year. Silver on the water, but gold in our hearts,” the club wrote.
“Your warmth, kindness and spirit will always be remembered.”
Debs Gregory was a passionate paddler, as seen here in a photo on the Steel Dragons Facebook page.
‘Wicked sense of humour’
Tributes on Facebook talked of a relentlessly positive Aucklander, who valued her family, her community and the clubs and people she was involved with.
They spoke of her positivity and “wicked sense of humour, genuine care for her fellow humans and positive glow”.
One user recounted how she “will never forget staying out forgetting our responsibilities and partying the night away on her 60th”.
One tribute summed up her profound influence on the community.
“The ripples of her impact on the many many people her life touched will continue to spread for a long time.”