March 19, 2021
March 19, 2021
Miss you Deb!
A memorial service for Debbie was held Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home,
In memory of Debbie, the family requests that memorial donations be made to www.saveadogrescue.com.
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March 19th, 2015
With the deepest sadness, we are writing to inform you that Debbie Anagnostelis, long-time Executive Director of the APS and the SPR, Director of the PAS Annual Meeting, past recipient of the SPR’s Thomas A. Hazinski Distinguished Service Award, and colleague and dear friend to many, died peacefully today from cancer. We will truly miss her leadership, her vision, and her passion for our societies and her dedication to pediatric research and improving child health around the globe.
Many of us have had the joy of working with Debbie throughout these years and know what a truly wonderful and gifted woman she was.
Tributes
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July 10, 2020
July 10, 2020
Happy Birthday Deb!! Wherever your spirit is soaring ! Gail
March 19, 2020
March 19, 2020
Hi Deb....interesting times now....as I reflect... I remember how we lived through SARS1 and APS/SPR/PAS challenges together... and now ....as we all navigate this SARS-CoV2 situation PAS cancelled. You are remembered...you are loved. Gail
March 19, 2020
March 19, 2020
July 10, 2018
July 10, 2018
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou must have known Debbie through some spiritual connection ....but we will never know. What I do know is that the words describe Debbie perfectly and yes, we do miss Deb and remain ever thankful for having known her.
Maya Angelou must have known Debbie through some spiritual connection ....but we will never know. What I do know is that the words describe Debbie perfectly and yes, we do miss Deb and remain ever thankful for having known her.
July 10, 2018
July 10, 2018
Happy Birthday Deb! Hope you are kickin' it up, wherever you are! You are loved and remembered!
Gail & Neil Harrison
Gail & Neil Harrison
March 19, 2018
March 19, 2018
Deb,
You are so deeply missed. Your presence made all of us better and your legacy as a friend, colleague and leader prevails.
You are so deeply missed. Your presence made all of us better and your legacy as a friend, colleague and leader prevails.
March 20, 2017
March 20, 2017
Debbie, you are so missed. You will always be in my heart. Keep watch over us all. Sandi
March 19, 2017
March 19, 2017
The older I get, the more I think about friends and family whose death has predated mine. Debbie was and remains my hero. At a time when the efforts of one person could shape an organization, Debbie left her indelible mark on the SPR. She also touched and changed the lives of all of us who worked along side her. She is a person I will always love and never forget. I wish my very best to her family.
March 19, 2017
March 19, 2017
On this occasion, the 2nd anniversary of Deb's untimely demise, I can join belatedly all her many friends and colleagues who regret the premature death of one whose spirit, energy and wisdom contributed so importantly to the APS and SPR. Deb, we all cherished you and will always miss you. Sam
March 19, 2017
March 19, 2017
You are missed Deb. I hope you see this candle wherever you are . I read my eulogy (saved on this web page) and remembered you today !
July 10, 2016
July 10, 2016
Happy Birthday Deb! PAS and our societies still miss you!
July 10, 2016
July 10, 2016
Still so hard to believe. She is missed. I remember back in the day, Deb would help us write our grants before "Word" ever existed. She used lots of white-out as we kept changing things as we went along but she did it with a smile and never complained. with love, Dale
July 10, 2016
July 10, 2016
Happy Angel Birthday Deb!
Gail and Neil
Gail and Neil
July 11, 2015
July 11, 2015
Although this past year's meeting was good, it didn't seem the same to me without Debbie's smiling face, running around solving all of our problems. She is surely missed. She was an especially kind person who would help out all of the scientist-leaders at PAS, especially those on the program committee. She was a gem. Happy birthday Deb!
May 3, 2015
May 3, 2015
Debbie was a force to reckon with. She kept the societies going and enabled us to grow and prosper. She also cared deeply about all of us. i miss her very much.
April 28, 2015
April 28, 2015
RIP Debbie. Thank you for the time we spent together. You will be missed by so many and will always be in our hearts and memory.
April 21, 2015
April 21, 2015
Debbie and her colleagues at the PAS have been crucial in making ASPN is the organization it is today. Her always friendly guidance and helping hands will be truly missed.
April 19, 2015
April 19, 2015
Debbie was the glue that held the PAS together for all pediatricians.
She was always "that pleasant voice" who resolved inter-society matters with professionalism and a healthy sense of perspective (and humor). She will be greatly missed.
She was always "that pleasant voice" who resolved inter-society matters with professionalism and a healthy sense of perspective (and humor). She will be greatly missed.
April 18, 2015
April 18, 2015
Debbie was a dear friend for 23 short years and it has been my pleasure to work for her 20 of those years. She was an incredible mentor with a keen sense of bringing the right people together to make incredible things happen. Her vision for the societies, I'm sure, had only begun to be fulfilled. She loved life and loved to laugh – and I loved to make her laugh, often. I have so many wonderful memories of our times together, and each one has laughter. My heart will forever hold her and with each laugh, I will remember her.
April 14, 2015
April 14, 2015
One of the things that has always impressed me about Debbie is that she was incredibly welcoming to new PAS affiliates. When I approached her several years ago to help me find a way for the International Society for Children's Health and Environment to hold meetings in conjunction with the annual meetings of the PAS, she could not have been more welcoming and helpful. I think it is largely due to her inclusive spirit that the PAS has grown and grown. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.
April 6, 2015
April 6, 2015
As a member of the Program Committee 2007-2010, Debbie was our "go-to" . There was no one who was more productive, did a better job, and always with a smile. PAS was very lucky to have had her as our guiding light. She will most surely be missed.
April 6, 2015
April 6, 2015
Debbie, I will miss you. RIP
April 2, 2015
April 2, 2015
Debbie was such a kind and caring person. I will never forget the time she lent me $500 at an SPR meeting because someone had stolen my purse. She didn't even know me then. I can't believe she is gone.
April 2, 2015
April 2, 2015
My deepest condolences to Debbie's family. Debbie was a wonderful friend and incredible work mentor. I will forever cherish the memories of her. We will miss your beautiful smile.
March 31, 2015
March 31, 2015
Debbie was the backbone of the SPR and APS for well over 30 years. She supported us, kept us upright and pointed in the proper direction, and helped us translate our ideas into action. She withstood the increased weight of the organizations as we grew and expanded our activities. We have lost a dear friend, a great colleague, and a soul mate. We were all made better by her presence.
March 29, 2015
March 29, 2015
It is with great sadness, we said goodbye today to our leader and dear friend Deb Anagnostelis. Deb was an incredible woman--enduring, kind, loyal, generous, full of grace--lover of life and laughter. She was a visionary in the world of pediatric research, deeply passionate and compassionate, devoted and dedicated, wise beyond words. She lived her life--ever so short--to the absolute fullest. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will dance in our hearts forever. Rest peacefully, sweet friend--watch over us daily as we carry on your incredible mission. till we meet again---
March 28, 2015
March 28, 2015
Sincerest condolences to the amazing family and friends who surrounded Deb with such love and support. It was one of the greatest honors and opportunities to work with Deb who has left a legacy that will continue to impact the pediatric research community for years to come. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, fairness and drive were examples i will forever try to emulate. The entire APS-SPR family misses our anchor, but promises to continue to build upon the foundation Deb has left.
March 26, 2015
March 26, 2015
Debbie will alway be the face of the APS-SPR for me. She was the go-to person for answers to any question and help with any problem, and still managed to keep her sense of humor even when she was working at full warp speed. My favorite memory is the "Certificate of Achievement" she sent to Dr. Delivoria for successfully sending in all of her abstracts electronically AND on time. Maria still has that award hanging on the wall in her office, and I think of Deb and chuckle whenever I see if
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
Debbie was a positive spirit and always kept her eye on the ball. She was committed to academic pediatrics and to children. She would help anyone. Have been missing her the past few years....so sad.
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
Debbie was indeed the heart and soul of the Pediatric Academic Societies. I had the good fortune to be able to work with her when on Council, and when SPR President quickly realized that Debbie was the real force behind the successes or the organization. She worked tirelessly for our mission and will be missed by her friends and colleagues.
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
Debbie was a great woman who led the Societies with her knowledge, work ethic, enthusiasm and wonderful sense of humor. Working with her was a privilege and joy.
Rest happily, Debbie.
Rest happily, Debbie.
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
Debbie was a marvelous manager and a responsive, devoted leader of academic pediatrics. She was never too busy to deal with specific issues raised by her brood of pediatricians. I respected her enormously and will always remember her with fondness and admiration.
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
Debbie was an incredibly kind and generous person who used these traits to make the SPR/APS a highly efficient and fun place to be part of. During my time on the SPR Board I was continuously amazed by Debbie's dedication and innovative spirit. I will miss her and continue to think of her often. Jon
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
Debbie was an amazing leader of a great group of stewards of the Pediatric Academic Societies. She had a great sense of humor and remarkable energy. Any of us fortunate enough to have been on a council or in a leadership role recognize how effectively she organized our meetings and pushed forward the agendas of the Societies. We will all miss her and her boundless spirit.
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
We would like to join our colleagues and friends in expressing our deep gratitude to Debbie for the support she provided to us and our Programme for Global Paediatric Research over many years. Always brimming with a remarkable blend of efficiency, creativity, and warmth, Debbie helped us navigate unchartered waters in a way that made us feel valued and supported. The team she built around her are a remarkable group and we extend our deepest sympathies to them and to her wife and family.Alvin Zipursky and Margaret Manley
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to the Anagnostelis family and the APS=SPR staff. Debbie was an amazing woman and colleague. I will miss her dearly but I am happy knowing that she is resting peacefully.
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
Debbie's passing is an immeasurable loss, not just for the Pediatric Academic Societies which she represented so beautifully, but at a personal level and as a friend to us all. My deepest condolences to her family.
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
Debbie was the heart and soul of the SPR and I was lucky to work with her for many years. Over the course of her illness she was so brave, a model for all of us. I'm grateful to have known Debbie and will remember her dedication and optimism. Heartfelt condolences to her family.
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
We worked with Debbie over the years in many different capacities. She was extremely helpful, patient, and kind. She will be missed by all who knew and worked with her. She was the best!
Beverly and Del Fisher
Beverly and Del Fisher
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
-- As a fledgling fellow submitting an abstract
-- At the keyboard for the first electronic abstract submission
-- As a neophyte at the first planning meeting
-- As an elder, confused about something...
She was at my side, wonderfully competent and happy to help, although I'm sure I was one of Debbie's Dummies. Rest well.
-- At the keyboard for the first electronic abstract submission
-- As a neophyte at the first planning meeting
-- As an elder, confused about something...
She was at my side, wonderfully competent and happy to help, although I'm sure I was one of Debbie's Dummies. Rest well.
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
Debbie,
Yours was the welcoming voice whenever we dialed APS/SPR, a cordiality inviting one to register his/her inquiry, complaint, response--whatever the occasion, but always received conveying incomparable warmth and sincerity. You are missed by all of us.
Yours was the welcoming voice whenever we dialed APS/SPR, a cordiality inviting one to register his/her inquiry, complaint, response--whatever the occasion, but always received conveying incomparable warmth and sincerity. You are missed by all of us.
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
What an honor and joy it has been to work with Debbie and the Pediatric Academic Societies for so many years. She leaves a wonderful legacy that will live on in the hearts of those who have had the privilege of knowing her and working with her.
With heartfelt sympathy to the Anagnostelis and PAS families,
Tulane University CME
Melinda, Pamala, Anita, Roblynn, Ouida, Maria, and Mike
With heartfelt sympathy to the Anagnostelis and PAS families,
Tulane University CME
Melinda, Pamala, Anita, Roblynn, Ouida, Maria, and Mike
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
I can't remember when I first talked to Debbie, but it was years and years ago. I had my face to face intro to Debbie at a FOPO meeting when FOPO met at the Skybird Lounge at O'Hare. After that we talked on a number of occasions about meetings of the many pediatric organizations. She was always so helpful and pleasant to me even though she was knee deep in her work. Pediatrics has lost a most important and lovely person in Debbie. She did so much for peds.
Rest in peace, Debbie.
Rest in peace, Debbie.
March 25, 2015
March 25, 2015
Debbie and the staff she led provided excellent support for the various socoities through some difficult times. She will be missed forever
Too soon gone.
Too soon gone.
March 24, 2015
March 24, 2015
Debbie was the heart and souls of the SPR and PAS. Her commitment, passion for the mission, consummate professionalism and deep understanding of why we are all involved made the officers willing and eager to be engaged. We have lost her far too early. Deepest sympathy to her family - they will feel the void she leaves, but must be very proud of her.
March 24, 2015
March 24, 2015
Rest in peace my dear friend. You will be forever in my heart.
March 24, 2015
March 24, 2015
Debbie will be dearly missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to work with her over her many years of dedicated and skillful service to the SPR-APS and the PAS meeting. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones and to her professional family at the central office at the Woodlands. Judy
March 24, 2015
March 24, 2015
Debbie was a remarkable woman who leaves an extraordinary legacy at the PAS and beyond. Though her contributions are countless, I'll always remember the passion and caring with which she looked after the students in the SPR-APS summer research program. My deepest condolences to the Anagnostelis family and to Debbie's PAS friends and colleagues.
March 24, 2015
March 24, 2015
I hope and believe Debbie and her family know how much I loved and respected her. I hope also that members of the Pediatric Academic Societies realize the contributions Debbie Anagnostelis made to the component societies and the national meeting. Debbie was a tireless and dependable worker, an innovator and a developer. Her role in administering and coordinating the societies should not be forgotten.
March 24, 2015
March 24, 2015
We at the University of New Mexico Department of Pediatrics remember Debbie very fondly. She was an important team player in organizing our research and manuscripts/abstracts, as well as our grant applications. She did this before there was Microsoft office and would often have to retype an entire section due to a single error or change made by one of the co-investigators. She had amazing patience and passion for what we were trying to accomplish! Often "white-out" was the the key to managing these corrections. We were happy that she moved into a leadership role at APS/SPR but missed her immensely at our own institution. She was priceless. We are deeply saddened by her passing, all too soon, but will remember her with a smile and a tear.
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Recent Tributes
March 19, 2021
March 19, 2021
Miss you Deb!
July 10, 2020
July 10, 2020
Happy Birthday Deb!! Wherever your spirit is soaring ! Gail
March 19, 2020
March 19, 2020
Hi Deb....interesting times now....as I reflect... I remember how we lived through SARS1 and APS/SPR/PAS challenges together... and now ....as we all navigate this SARS-CoV2 situation PAS cancelled. You are remembered...you are loved. Gail
March 19, 2020
March 19, 2020
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Recent stories
Watching Deb Run the PAS Meeting
March 24, 2015
by Bruce Gelb
I pretended to run the PAS meeting as the Program Chair for two years, 2010 in Vancouver and 2011 in Denver. I had already gotten to know and adore Deb as a council member for the SPR and as PAS Program Committee member. I particularly loved going with Deb to unwind after those day-long meetings for a class of wine (or two). While I knew her pretty well from those experiences, it was during the two years as Program Chair that I really got to know her well. There was stuff happening all year long and we spoke frequently. She effortlessly made it so easy to take on that daunting role. And she never let on how much she was really running things, letting me (or whoever was the Program Chair) look like they were the one. But it was always her, and with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. And we innovated the Opening Session with the Keynote Address, which will now bear her name in fitting tribute.
It is hard to fathom the PAS meeting without Deb. It won't ever be the same but we will carry on because we must and because she would have insisted on that.
With a heavy heart and much love,
Bruce
The History of the SPR!
March 24, 2015
When I was serving as President of SPR we were celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the SPR. For my Presidential project Deb and I shared a wonderful journey into the past to the origin of the SPR. It was such a joyful time as you can see from this photo!!
We found original source documents of letters and contracts, some of which were crumbling and brown with age, amazing photographs, and priceless artifacts. These precious things were lovingly saved by Deb in boxes she kept safe throughout the years. No doubt, this was the first time these documents had seen the light of day in decades. It was such a wonderful experience! We then summarized the history in a joint poster presentation (Deb's one and only scientific presentation at the Annual Meeting!), displayed the original documents, photographs, and artifacts under glass, and I summarized the History and Spirit of the SPR in my Presidential Address, titled "Blackshirts and Red Bandanas" at the Annual Meeting in San Franciso that year so that all the members could share in the history of the first 50 years of the SPR.
Deb loved the SPR !
I loved Deb!
It was a great time ...... we miss you.....
Gail