Remembering Debbie Zakaib, who changed Quebec fashion and transformed its food scene

Debbie Zakaib, a driving force in Quebec's fashion industry who more recently shaped the province's culinary landscape, passed away Thursday following a brief battle with cancer.

Her daughter Daphnée Taillefer announced the news on Instagram: "My mom, my bestie, my life. Today, you left us after a short but difficult battle with cancer. There are no words to express the pain we are living through."

Zakaib was married to businessman Alexandre Taillefer. The couple lost their son Thomas ten years ago this month.

Over the past two years, Zakaib had transformed Quebec's gastronomic scene as general director of La Table Ronde, a collective uniting the province's leading chefs and restaurant entrepreneurs. The organization credits her with orchestrating the Michelin Guide's launch in Quebec and establishing programs like the Accélérateur Leadership au féminin and an incubator supporting industry leaders.