Debra M. Galvin, 64, of Shawnee, KS, passed away Saturday, October 2, 2021. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 AM with a Funeral Service following at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 9th, 2021, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 5500 Woodson Road, Mission, KS.
Debra was born December 27th, 1956 in Kansas City, KS to James and Helen (Miljavac) Galvin and was one of four siblings. Growing up in Mission, Kansas, she graduated from Bishop Miege Highschool in 1974.
Debra was a proud Jayhawk, having attended The University of Kansas for Undergraduate and Graduate degrees, ultimately earning her Phd in Developmental and Child Psychology. Debra’s dream of creating a multi-disciplinary center was realized after nearly 30 years of established private practice. As the founder and director of Dr. Deb’s Center for Child and Family Development, she was lovingly referred to as “Dr. Deb” by the children, youth, and families she served.
Debra’s passion was helping others, offering wisdom and guidance to families looking for help and answers. Debra always spoke fondly of the families, staff, and fellow colleagues that she had the pleasure of helping, collaborating, and realizing her vision with. She was beyond grateful for all of their love and support.
She was an amazing mother and grandma, showing her children and grandchildren fierce, unconditional love and support. Debra relished her time in her own private “oasis” at her home that she and Michael created. She enjoyed gardening, swimming, hosting pool parties for her grandbabies, and pampering her beloved dog, Lucy. Debra loved flowers, and was never without a vase full of fresh cut flowers from her garden. One of her “happy places” was Family Tree Nursery, where she could browse their beautiful selection of flowers and plants.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Galvin (Miljavac), father, James Galvin, and nephew, Andrew Canon.
Debra is survived by her husband Michael Thompson, siblings Denise Canon (Milling), Mike Galvin (Jennifer), Mary Ann Vogt (Richard), Marc Thompson (Shiela), Julie Groh (Jim), & Sarah Conce (Ed). Debra was the wonderful mother of three children, Sarah McCreary (Josh), Jeffrey Cook, and Kevin Cook. Two Stepsons Brian Thompson (Kylie), Kevin Thompson (Stephone).
Debra was a dedicated and loving Grandma to her 8 grandchildren, Jace, Reese, Mason, Noah, Kolton, Bailey, Konnor, and Bryson as well as many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Helping Hands Foundation, a vision of Deb’s that was in the works at the time of her passing. The mission of Helping Hands is to provide therapeutic and educational support for children with special needs and their families. https://gofund.me/7a117e96 or through Porter Funeral Homes, 8535 Monrovia Street, Lenexa, KS 66215.