From an early age, Debbie's compassion and steadiness made nursing a natural calling. She graduated from Beatrice High School in 1971 and went on to complete her nursing education at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Grand Island, earning her diploma in 1973. Debbie began her career as a pediatric nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital, where she cared for children with tenderness, skill, and deep devotion from 1973 to 1986.
While working full‑time, Debbie advanced her education with remarkable determination—earning both her Master’s Degree and her PhD in Nursing from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Her dedication to the profession shone brightly in everything she did. In 1986, Debbie brought her expertise and her heart to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), serving as a Nurse Practitioner for critically ill and immunocompromised children. Her leadership and innovation were extraordinary.
In 1998, Debbie founded the Comfort, Pain, and Palliative Care Program, as well as the Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine Department, shaping the way CHLA cared for its most vulnerable patients. In 2021, Debbie created the hospital’s Dog Therapy Program, recognizing the healing power of connection and comfort. What began as her personal vision flourished—within a year, the program grew significantly, eventually supporting nearly 30 team members by the time she retired in 2023. Debbie continued consulting through the spring of 2024, ensuring the programs she built would continue to thrive.
Debbie returned to Kansas City in 2024 to be closer to family. Her journey was marked by extraordinary resilience. A double transplant recipient in 2012—receiving a kidney from her brother Steve and a pancreas from a young donor—Debbie overcame medical challenges with strength, gratitude, and courage. She was diabetic from 1972 until her transplants, and she faced every trial with grace and a fighter’s spirit.
Beyond nursing, Debbie loved to travel and teach. She shared her expertise nationwide through seminars on comfort care for children. She explored Europe, Australia, Hawaii, Italy, and more—often traveling with her beloved mother, Bernice. And at the center of her heart were her cherished dogs: Ruff & Tumble, and later Milo and Odie, who brought joy, companionship, and unconditional love.
We honor Debbie with gratitude, and we carry her light forward with the same devotion she brought to every day of her life.
Arrive at 11:30 am. Come to the hospital entrance and ask for the Spiritual Guide - Dagmar Grefe - YOU WILL NEED YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE for entrance as a visitor to the hospital. Parking will be validated.
Give yourself time for parking and navigating the site. We will huddle and distribute assignments, caps, and capes as needed. Wear white for the ceremony, a cape, and a cap. If you don't have a cape or cap, loaners will be available.