Obituaries
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.
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Condolences to the Family
November 26, 2025
Mike and Family,
I am sincerely saddened to hear of Debbie’s passing. It was a tremendous privilege to know her and get to work with her. She never stopped being courageous and finding new ways to fight this disease. Her kindness and caring heart always shined through. She truly was an inspiration and she will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to you all.
Sincerely,
Greta Myers, PT
October 08, 2025
Mike and Family
My most sincere sympathy on the passing of Debbie having just heard the news.
A truly sad loss for your family and the patients and communities she touched
My thoughts and prayers are with you
Sincerely
Brian J Benedetti
Fine Arts Fiesta
October 05, 2025
I never knew Debbie, but heard lots about her from her kind and devoted husband as we would play tennis together learning how loved she was. Mike and family, you have all been in my thoughts as you grieve. May Debbie rest in peace after battling her terminal disease. Let me know if there is anything I can do during this challenging time. Respectfully, Mark Gales
October 02, 2025
Dear Mike: My husband, Dennis, had Parkinson’s Disease and attended Crush PD at Rockvale Plaza.
That’s where we met you and Debbie. Denny and I missed coming there when Rockvale closed to build
apartments. We stopped attending then. I live at Landis Homes now. Denny passed away last July.
You and Debbie were a special couple! A friend, Jean Fulmer
September 26, 2025
Dear Mike,
One of the reasons I love working as a home health caregiver is I get to meet people as amazing and wonderful as you and Debbie. Your love for each other and your commitment to her as her primary caregiver spoke volumes. It gives me hope in these challenging times to be in a home filled with such concrete love. I just saw the notice that she died in the Landis Homes news. I’ve been thinking about you both a lot this month as I would drive by your neighborhood. I hope that you had a good experience at Landis in her final days. May God’s mysterious peace comfort you now. Hugs💚
Sue Heilman
September 23, 2025
Dear Mike & Family~
I was so sad to see Debbie passed. I so enjoyed working with her. We became friends so afterwards and I loved catching up with her at Danko’s. She was always so sweet and kind. May she rest peacefully.
Deepest sympathy, Sharon Lehman
September 18, 2025
Mike and Family:
We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved wife and wonderful mother. While we did not know her well, to read about her character and accomplishments makes us feel that we wish we knew her better. May your joyful memories of her give you comfort.
September 18, 2025
We would like to convey our sincerest condolences on Debbie’s passing. During the time we worked with Debbie at JHIRM, we were privileged to witness Debbie’s care and dedication to her patients and her profession. Debbie truly exemplified the term “going above and beyond ” when treating her patients. As an example, Debbie treated a young woman who needed to wear a custom splint, made by Debbie. The patient was resistant to wearing the splint because she was self conscious about it. Debbie bought a”Bedazler” and had the patient customize her splint so the patient would use it.
Debbie will always be remembered by those of us who worked with her and by all the patients who were under her care.
With deepest sympathy,
MJ, ROZ, SANDY G, and SANDY T
September 18, 2025
Walter and I are so very sorry for your loss. We were so fortunate to have had the honor and privilege of being a part of Nick and Jessie’s life and of course Debbie and Mike. Debbie is forever etched in our hearts. Our profound sadness and sympathy extended to all the family.
Jane/Walter Golaszewski
September 18, 2025
Dear Callahan Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you as you grieve the passing of dear Deb. We learned of her passing the next day when we saw the rememberance quilt at her Landis Homes room. It was a great pleasure to get acquainted with Deb, Mike and Jessica through our Manheim House “neighbor” connection. Blessings to you and all of Deb’s loved ones as you navigate the transitions ahead.
Melanie Baer and Doug Drescher
September 17, 2025
Dr. Callahan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Kim Stearn
September 17, 2025
Sending lots of love to your family. Mrs. Callahan was such a supporter of me when she allowed me to babysit for Jessie and Nick. I have such fond memories of time at your home with your family. May your many memories be some relief to your hearts.
Amy Shoemaker Link
September 17, 2025
So sorry to hear about Debbie. She was such a fighter. Loved her laughter. She brightened our work day at John Heinz. Thinking of you all. She was so proud of her kids.
Pam Ceol
September 17, 2025
That was a really beautiful obituary for Debbie. I’ve always remember her spending an hour with me as my personal hand therapist after I had a stroke. She was most kind and had a great sense of humor. Ned McGuire
September 17, 2025
She had an immense spirit that continues. Our deep condolences. Karen & Joe Dussinger
September 17, 2025
I am sorry for your loss. Debbie was a great person with a vivacious personality. She fought every step of the way and wanted to enjoy her life to the fullest. She is at peace and she is the true embodiment of wonderful and generous living. Miriam O’Malley
September 17, 2025
Deb!
I will miss you forever ! Debbie was an amazingly wonderful woman in so many ways but most importantly she was the rock of her family ! She was another mother to my son Ryan Anthony and I appreciate all she has been for him.
she made amazing cookies and I recall the trip to pick a wedding venue with her and Jess and how funny the whole day was! She picked the best cards to send to anyone for any celebration. Her beautiful grandchildren were the best blessing ever! This world lost a treasure and I lost a true friend and fellow grandmother tammy levandowski
September 17, 2025
Very sorry for your loss of Debbie, Mike. Peter M. Butera
September 17, 2025
Dear Mike,
Marilyn and I were deeply saddened to hear of Debbie’s passing, yet we feel grateful for the time we had to know her. Over these past two years, we’ve truly enjoyed our many dinners together at the local restaurants and clubhouse moments filled with good conversation, warmth, and laughter.
From the very first time I met Debbie, her loving spirit shone through so brightly that I couldn’t help but give her a hug each time I saw her. Even in the short time we knew her, it was clear she was a woman of great intelligence, strength, and determination, someone who refused to be defined or limited by her condition.
I was also deeply impressed by the way you supported and cared for Debi. It was clear how much she benefited from your dedicated help and assistance, not only during her recent physical challenges but, I suspect, throughout your entire life together.
Debi’s courage, kindness, and zest for life will continue to inspire us. Please know that Marilyn and I hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers, wishing you peace and comfort as you celebrate her remarkable life.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Dennis & Marilyn Gehringer
September 16, 2025
Our hearts are saddened. The world is a little darker, a little colder with the loss of one of its brighter spirits…and one of the all-time great cookie-smiths! May Mike and family find relief in the goodness of Debbie’s memory.
May her memory be a blessing. Peter & Sharon Wolman

