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Deborah Hanson Obituary

Hanson, Deborah 42, of Shawnee, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010. Deborah was born Feb. 25, 1968, to Donald and Dee Pavelka in St. Louis, Missouri. Deborah graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1986. After graduation she attended Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, where she received two Bachelor's Degrees in Music and Music Education. While at Trinity she met David Hanson. They were married Dec. 28, 1991, in Kirkwood, Missouri. In 1991 Deborah attended the Manhattan School of Music to study opera. She left early to pursue a career in musical theatrical acting. As an actress she appeared as Luisa in the original New York production of The Fantastiks, she also appeared in roles at the Kansas City Repertory Theater and the Actors Theater of Louisville. Deborah moved to the Shawnee area in 1998, where she worked as a music teacher for the Monticello United Methodist Church Children's Center. Deborah is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, David Hanson; a daughter AJ, and a son, D Henry. Her parents, Donald and Dee Pavelka, and a sister Amy Studt, all of Kirkwood, Missouri also survive her. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Monticello UMC; 23860 W. 75thSt., Shawnee, KS 66227. Memories or stories you have of Debbie can be sent to [email protected] or posted at www.amosfamily.com/ obituaries. Services: Visitation and Memorial Service, a Celebration of Deborah's life was held at 10:30 a.m., Sat., Oct. 30, 2010, at Monticello United Methodist Church in Shawnee.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Oct. 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Hanson

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Jim Geison

November 14, 2010

It was a priviledge to know Debbie and a shock to hear news like this. In high school from Camelot to Oliver to choir Debbie always treated me with kindness, especially when I was fragile. I think that is how she treated everyone. It is inspiring to hear how she carried music with her through her life and shared it widely. The castle sculpture she gave me after Camelot is in my hallway today, a reminder now that just like in Camelot her shining moment was far too brief. My condolences to the family.

Judy Olson

November 5, 2010

To all of Debbie's family,

Words can not express the shock and sadness of this news. What an amazing friend she was. From our early days together at Tillman elementary...to our days at KHS...Debbie and I were dear friends, and those memories will never leave me. She was the "real deal". I remember to this day all of the countless "sleep overs" we enjoyed together. My prayers go out to all her family. May God keep you in his tender loving care at this difficult time. How blessed we were to know her. All of the Olson's are thinking of you and send their prayers!
Judy Olson (Oney)

Patty Hargrove

November 2, 2010

My heart is heavy to learn of Debbie's passing. I remember her fondly from high school, she was such a beautiful soul and always had a twinkle in her eye. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Fred Rosenberger

November 2, 2010

I am at a loss for words. Debbie was one of the nicest, sweetest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She was one of the first girls I ever danced with (at our 8th grade dance). I'm sure I said something dumb to her when I asked, but she was kind and sweet and danced with me anyway.
Even though I've not seen her in probably 10 years, she will be missed by me and my family (to whom I'm now telling stories).

Stephanie Polster

November 2, 2010

I went to high school with Debbie and always admired her because she was so talented and beautiful, but she never let it go to her head. She was very sweet and kind. We sang in A Capella Choir together. I often thought about her over the years, and I will always remember the spectacular job she did playing Guinevere in Camelot. Prayers to Debbie's family.

Scott Meesey

November 1, 2010

I will never forget her spritely smile, or her kind nature or her wonderful talent. It was Debbie and others like her that sparked an interest in theater that I finally acted on years later. My heart goes out to all her family and loved ones.

Harold & Penny Collins

November 1, 2010

We are former members of Kirkwood United Methodist Church and remember Debbie's great voice and talent. Our thoughts and prayers go to her family.
Harold & Penny Collins
Venice, Florida

Matt Sorrell

November 1, 2010

Debbie and I went to the same church and were classmates in junior high and high school. She was a sweet, gentle soul. She and I were in the KHS Players together, and she always lit up the stage. I'm so very sorry for your loss. She was a special person.

Dawn Ruehl

November 1, 2010

Debbie was always a sweet an talented girl. I have never forgotten her after all of these years and I always expected to see her name in lights. The world had lost a wonderful gift, however I am sure the angels are making room for another beautiful soul. With Love, Dawn Cross Ruehl

Ann Dammkoehler Spangler

November 1, 2010

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy at the loss of Debbie. We performed in a couple of shows in high school together and I sat behind her in choir. She was a fantastic person. I'm praying for you and your family.

Janet Crews

November 1, 2010

Debbie was a big presence at Kirkwood High School. Her talent was amazing. Though I haven't seen her in year, I'm sure her absence will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Joy Bennett

November 1, 2010

I remember Debbie from childhood - I was shocked when my mom sent me her obituary this morning via e-mail. (I live in Wisconsin now). Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss and know that my prayers are with your family. Sincerely, Joy (Saufnauer) Bennett

November 1, 2010

Hey This is David Schwarz. DEb was one of those special people you never forget. We had so many memories in High school i can not even count! i am very saddened on this day! I will be praying for you and your family and the Pavelka family. Love David Schwarz

Jim and Helen Laning

October 28, 2010

Dave, Henry and AJ, There are no words to express how we feel about the loss of your wife and mother. Please know we love you and if you need anything let us know. Debbie will live on in our hearts.

October 28, 2010

Dave, Henry and AJ, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If we can of any help, please let us know.
Right now I am in Boston, but I will be in KC from 11/9-11/21.
(Kam & Mignon)

Angela Schroder

October 27, 2010

To Debbie's Family:

Debbie affected all of the music therapy students. She led such a beautiful application in class that left everyone speechless. She had that kind of powerful influence. She had such an infectious laugh that was so refreshing to hear. She was the most positive person I have ever encountered in my life. I don't think I will ever meet anyone else like her. She affected me deeply, encouraging me, without even knowing it, to be positive, and to be completely authentic. I am so thankful for having met Debbie.

Michelle Hess

October 27, 2010

Dave,Henry and AJ
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Debbie was a person that shined where ever she went. Now she is shining brightly beside God and looking down upon you. May your memories of her make you smile and laugh even though she is gone.
She will be missed!
Michelle and Emily Hess

J.J. Edge

October 27, 2010

To all of Debbie's family,

I am sorry for your loss. She was an angel here on earth and I feel lucky that I was able to know her. She was the most pure, kind hearted person I have ever met.

Martha Childers

October 27, 2010

Please accept my sincere condolences. I'll be thinking of each and every one of you.

Rose Crane

October 27, 2010

How wonderful to have known and lived with such a woman as Deborah. I pray God will comfort your hearts and that all her good and loving ways will remain foremost in your memories.

Mickey Coalwell

October 27, 2010

Dave,
My thoughts are with you. I'm so sorry.

Pat Patti

October 27, 2010

David and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss of Debbie.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Ching-Han Chen

October 27, 2010

I miss you, Debbie. I went back to check some of the emails back and forth between you and me. I loved them. I am so glad that I got to keep those words from you. It's priceless. Your words and you as a person were so beautiful. I'll remember you!

-Ching-Han

October 27, 2010

Dave, AJ, D Henry and family~I am so sorry for your loss. To me Debbie embodied what God teaches us to strive for-she was a caring, compassionate, smiling person with a beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Judy Holton, The Dance Factory

Nancy Myers

October 27, 2010

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Jenn Williams

October 27, 2010

Our prayers and thoughts are with all of Debbie's family. We love your family.

Miss Jenn and Kaley Williams (AJ's Hip Hop teacher)

Jennifer Noll

October 27, 2010

Dear Hanson family,

Debbie was a wonderful person who touched many lives. I hope you find comfort in your memories and know that many hearts and prayers are with you. Our deepest sympathies,

Todd and Jennifer Noll

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results

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