Debra Ann Geiger

July 23, 1953 – January 31, 2025

Debra Ann Geiger, age 71, of Irvine, CA, passed away on January 31,2025 at the Perry Point VA Medical Center Inpatient Hospice Unit in Perry Point, MD, surrounded by a caring staff and loving family and friends

Born July 23,1953 in Pittsburgh, PA, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Lillian Wharton. Deb was a graduate of North Hills High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State University, her first Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska, and a second Master’s Degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Deb served 26 years on active duty in the Air Force Medical Service Corps, retiring in the grade of Colonel. During her highly-decorated military career, Deb held many distinguished leadership positions, culminating in her capstone assignment as Executive Director, Tricare Europe. Retiring from the military in July 2001, Deb began a second career as Executive Director for the Center for Humanistic Change in Bethlehem, PA, a not-for-profit drug and alcohol prevention agency. Deb was passionate about serving her community, was an active member of the Bethlehem Rotary Club, and served on the Board of the Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley, which ultimately established a newly designated Federally Qualified Health Center caring for the underserved population of the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton region. Deb enjoyed hiking, skiing, tennis, boating, and cooking. She was fond of country western music, loved butterflies, and would never turn down an offer of chocolate.

Surviving are her loving husband Jim of 27 years, sisters Kathy, Jan, and Holly, six nephews and nieces, nine grand nephews and nieces, four cousins, and two adorable grandchildren.

Celebration of Life services are planned to be held in Bethlehem, PA on February 22, 2025 for Deb’s east coast family and friends, followed by a Celebration of Life service for Deb’s west coast family and friends in Irvine, CA on March 22, 2025. Service details will be provided shortly. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors, date to be announced.

Deb’s family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Perry Point VA Inpatient Hospice Unit for their extraordinary, compassionate care, as well as Deb’s outstanding Visiting Angels caregiver, Latoya. They collectively made Deb’s final journey one of gentle, competent, and caring support that all of us can only wish for when our final days are upon us…