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In Loving Memory
Deborah "Debby" McGavin Harris
10/11/1953
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1/26/2010
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Deborah McGavin Harris, Ph.D., 56, passed away at the ET York Haven Hospice
Care Center in Gainesville Florida at around 9 AM on Tuesday, January 26th with grace and dignity following a long struggle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Debby passed quietly in her sleep. One of her closest girl friends had spent the night with her and was with her when she died.
Debby loved life and people. She warmly embraced the world with generosity and
enthusiasm and was able to find the mirth in any situation. She loved humor.
In her work as a school psychologist, she dedicated herself to finding the gifts and
treasures in each child, guiding children and families toward more fulfilling lives. At
P.K. Young she developed and ran an innovative program for the gifted. She also created and directed Super Summer, a long-running camp for gifted children which emphasized creativity and hands-on interactive learning. A highly recognized expert in
her field, she provided assessment, consultation, and compassionate, astute guidance to
countless children, parents and professionals.
Debby was deeply devoted to her beloved daughter, Kate Schert, age 12, and took
great delight in her beloved husband of 15 years, John Schert, both of whom survive her.
Other survivors include her “little sister” Sophy Letts and her “adopted mother” Dotsy Letts of Palm Beach. Other survivors include her sister Jenell Miller, her brother Bucky Harris and her brother Jim Harris. Debby “adopted” the Lettts family when she was 13. Her “adopted father and the person in her life who she feels has guided her throughout her entire life is the late Gavin Letts. Gavin would introduce Debby to his many friends and called her his “foster daughter”.
Debby was a long-time member of the United Church of Gainesville. She loved
Scotland, adventure, tennis, people, laughing and learning, but most of all she loved life.
She often seemed to radiate a warm golden light which drew others to her and made
them feel loved, welcomed and accepted.
In meeting the profound challenges of ALS, Debby inspired those around her with
her grace, courageous fighting spirit, and ever-deepening love of life, family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at the University of Florida Auditorium in Gainesville at 6:30 PM on Saturday, January 30th. A reception will follow the memorial service. The reception will be held in the “New Engineering Building Rotunda”. The New Engineering Building is located on the UF Campus on Center Drive, just north of the UF/Shands Health Center Complex. There is limited on street parking near the UF Auditorium. There is also limited parking in various parking lots near the UF Auditorium. The Reitz Union is located about half way between the UF Auditorium and the New Engineering Building. Parking is also available at the Reitz Union Parking Garage on the UF Campus. For people who are not familiar with the UF campus, you can access a map of the campus at http://campusmap.ufl.edu . The doors to the UF Auditorium will be open at approximately 5:00 PM for those who would like to arrive early.
In lieu of flowers, Debby has requested that donations be made to the
Kate Schert Education Fund at Campus USA Credit Union, 5115 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, Florida, 32606. Their phone number is 352-335-9090, Extension 11411.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Forest Meadows Funeral Home. Please sign the online guestbook at www.forestmeadowsfh.com.
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Online Condolences
From:
Helena Solo-Gabriele
Miami
Florida
Relationship:
Friend
I am so sorry to hear that Debby has passed. She was an incredible woman who inspired us all through her strength and dignity in her battle with her illness.
Sent:
1/29/2010
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From:
Laura Lynch
Gainesville
FL
Relationship:
neighbor/friend
Debby's spirit lives on, especially in the lives of all who know her. She fought a valiant fight in grace and love. My thoughts and prayers and with you John and Kate.
Sent:
1/29/2010
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From:
Lindy Feldman
Port Townsend
Washington
Relationship:
Friend
Beloved Debby, now safe and well in God's arms, met with joy by those already in His house. We love you and are left behind, mourning the loss of your presence, your beauty, your grace. But we have not lost your love, nor you, ours. Pray for us, brave Angel.
Sent:
1/30/2010
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From:
Kathy Anderson
Gainesville
Florida
Relationship:
friend/colleague
I met Debby when my son Kenny Anderson was in the Super Summer program about 20 years ago! Later I knew her as a fellow school psychologist. I always admired her spirit and dedication. My deepest sympathy to Debby's family, especially John and Kate. I know you will miss her dearly.
Sent:
1/31/2010
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From:
De Miller-Sellers
Gainesville
FL
Relationship:
friend
We will all miss Debby, yet she is in a better place and finally free of ALS. Our thoughts and prayers are with you John and Kate.
Sent:
2/1/2010
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