Debbie Klayman Jean Callahan

September 12, 2025

Debbie Klayman Jean Callahan sadly passed away on Friday September 12, 2025 at Landis Homes in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Debbie fought courageously and vigorously against Multiple Systems Atrophy. This horrendous neurodegenerative disease robbed her of her ability to walk, to speak, to write and ultimately to think clearly. Debbie was born on November 9th, 1955 at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital In New York City, The second daughter of Bernard and Lottie Klayman. Debbie grew up in Queens and entered college at SUNY Binghamton at the tender age of 16. She obtained her Masters degree from Columbia University at age 22. It was while writing her Masters Thesis she had the good fortune to meet Mary Ann Beck, a friend for life. She was married July 16th 1978 to Michael Callahan at CW Post Interfaith Chapel. She immediately began her professional career as a therapist al a UCP center on Long Island. Debbie and Mike relocated to Flushing and Debbie worked as a therapist In the largest burn unit in NYC. Her next move found her and her family In Northeast Pennsylvania. Debbie worked as a certified hand therapist for 20 plus years at the John Heinz Rehabilitation Hospital. Debbie and her husband relocated lo East Petersburg Pennsylvania in August of 2022. Debbie loved her life and loved her family. She was a woman of conviction with a strong moral code. She was the rock of the family. Debbie loved her exercise group at Danko’s gym. When she moved to East Petersburg she joined the CrushPD gym where she found community and friendship. She loved crossword puzzles and traveling. Debbie was the travel director for all family trips. Traveling to National Parks in the US ,to beaches In the Caribbean, to Africa for a safari ,to booking a tour that included a private tour of the Louvre to sailing through the Panama Canal, Debbie was the impetus for all these adventures. Debbie was a person who asked to review the dessert menu before seeing the menu of entrees. Debbie loved her desserts. If you were visiting Debbie’s house you would invariable be treated to a homemade dessert. No one left Debbie’s house hungry.

She was a voracious reader who was never without her Kindle. Debbie Is survived by her older sister Ann May, her husband of 47 years Dr. Michael Callahan, her son Dr. Nicholas Callahan (Dr. Ann Wlringa), her daughter Dr. Jessica Serbel (Dr. Ryan Serbel) and her two grandchildren, Elliott Klay Serbel and Ramona Blythe Callahan. The funeral services will be private. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Debbie’s name please consider the MSA Foundation.