Deborah McGarry Hammer

Debbie is survived by her children, Amy Fitzsimmons of Austin, TX and Michael Fitzsimmons currently of Hagerstown, Maryland; siblings, Terry and Jeff. She is preceded in death by her parents John Emerson Hammer and Elizabeth Jane Hammer as well as her beloved dog Nikki.

Debbie was born on March 13, 1951 in Johnstown, PA to John and Elizabeth Hammer. She graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973 with a double major in Communication Arts and Education. She began her career at Everett Area High School of Bedford County where she was an English teacher and coached the first girls track team leading them to State for three consecutive years. In 1997, she earned her Master's degree from Marymount University in Virginia while employed with USAA where she worked nearly two decades.

Debbie was a published poet and very involved with her church. She was a proud child of the 1960s who loved the outdoors, a good book and classic rock and she was determined to live her life to the fullest even after her diagnosis and continued to hike and enjoy nature as long as she was able.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. She will be interred at Grandview Cemetery in Johnstown, PA. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Debbie's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice Austin at http://www.hospiceaustin.org/ or Dogs Out Loud at http://www.dogsoutloud.org.