Looking at these photos of this wonderful woman. She will be sorely missed in this world. Our sympathies to David, Colin and Katie.

John and Dona Kerce

I feel honored to have known and worked with Debi.  Her wisdom, grace and positive outlook will be greatly missed. --
Kathleen

Debi touched so many lives over the years. Not just the lives of family and friends, but thousands of students who benefited from her unrelenting efforts to improve education. Her friendship is one of my most cherished memories.

We will miss Debi's wonderful smile and talents! Debi's incredible spirit and knowledge was so helpful while I was in the Commissioner of Education's office. She served Florida in so many great ways! Thank you David and family for sharing Debi-you are in our thoughts and prayers.

David, Kate, and family,

Your PTO family is thinking of you and sends its deepest sympathies.

I haven't known Debi and David long but the time I did know them she was a fighter.  She fought long and hard and my heart skipped a beat when David sent me the news.  She always had a smile and a heart of gold.  I know she is in God's arms and out of pain.  David, you had an angel in your life and now she is looking over you.  My deepest sympathy to you and the rest of the family.  May she Rest in Peace.

Sassy, smart and sweet, Debi made me laugh every time I saw her. In work she never took her eye off the ball and every playful minute sharpened her wit. Impossible to think of Debi in the past tense, she lived in the moment while detailing the long range master plan for statewide education and for those she loved. Opa loka cocka burra, I hope she knew how much she helped me!

Going through the picture gallery, what stands out most is Debi's beautiful smile. Rest in peace dear friend. We will miss you.  Sharon Crow

I love the gallery of pictures.  It shows how Debi was always smiling.  That is how I remember her.

Debi Gallay spoke truth to power and did so with intelligence, solid ethics and a good dose of charm.  She was a remarkable staffer and the people of Florida have lost a treasured advocate.
Debi Gallay's "Lobster" colleagues and others in her wide circle of friends are heartbroken at this loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with David, Kate and Colin.

Glad to have shared my youth with this special person.  RIP my friend.

From our years in the Governor's Office together to the present, there was no one more dedicated to improving Florida's Public Schools and universities than Debi. She was a beacon of integrity and intelligence in the world of education policy and financing. And she always kept a great sense of humor despite any professional or personal challenges she faced along the way. She was a very special person to her family, friends and Florida. Thank you Debi, for all you did for all of us.

This wonderful brilliant woman made a tremendous impact in the lives of many---personally and professionally. The world is a better place because we knew Debi and she graciously shared her talents!

Debi was a fearless friend and compassion ally whose commitment to doing the right thing, whether in personal relationships or the public arena, was exemplary.  She was a champion for Florida education and an uncompromisingly honest, caring and supportive friend to me for forty years.  Miss you.  Oka Loka!

I was very sad to learn of Debi's passing. Aside from her many professional accomplishments, she was a charming and vivacious person. She will be missed by all but especial David and her children. My deepest sympathy to all.

god bless you ms debi and family. we shared so many conversations and laughs in our years in the capitol complex. debi was a bright light, a beautiful woman and a good friend of many. rest easy sunshine.

So sad. Debi was a true champion of Florida Education and it's students. She will be missed.

Debi was one of the great ones. She left us too soon, but her legacy of accomplishments will live on. Debi's passing is a loss for Florida. Debi, we thank you for your long service. My deepest sympathy to David and family.

Hard to believe I am signing this book. It has been a long time, but I still remember when I was in college and I went to visit my sister. Her roommate (Debi) was talking to me so passionately about education and encouraged me to ask the then Governor of Florida how many campuses they had so that I could tell him I went to Penn State which had over 20 at the time. That night, at a reception, I did and we had quite the conversation. Best wishes and prayers for the family. Know that the true measure of a person is the lives that they touch. Debi touched many.

Debi was such a strong, positive influence on so many of us.  Her warrior spirit, wicked sense of humor and great intellect combined made her so loved, respected and unique.  I will miss that voice outside my door, that wise counsel, and that huge heart.  Our "big education team" will feel her absence for a long, long time.  Sweet rest now, Love Bug.

It is unreal that I am signing Debi's book. I remember all the good times (and really hard work) Debi and I experienced in the Governors Education Policy Office. She was always the queen of the FEFP because no one understood it like she did.  I am so sad that she left us even though I know her light remains. Prayers and blessings for Debi, David and family.

OBITUARY

Deborah Elizabeth Mullen Gallay

May 11, 1949 – July 7, 2015

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home

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