Deborah D Gregory

“Those who are happiest, are those who do the most for others.” Deborah D. Gregory, 52, whose life embodied joy and service to others, died on July 8, 2017, at her home in Missoula, Montana. While terminal cancer may have silenced her, Debbie’s throaty giggle will ring in our ears for years to come.

Debbie joined her gregarious family when she was born to John and Norma Gregory on August 21, 1964, in Missoula, Montana. She developed her love of travel, a spirit of adventure, and an appreciation for her beloved outdoor activities of skiing, kayaking and ziplining while growing up in Missoula. Her fierce loyalty to friends began early, while attending Saint Anthony Elementary School and later, Loyola Sacred Heart High School. It was there that Debbie’s desire to share her gifts of laughter and service took root and flourished, evidenced by her enthusiastic involvement in school activities and her legacy of kind assistance to fellow students. After graduation, Debbie’s path took her to Gonzaga University, then to Carroll College, where she earned her degree in nursing.

Upon graduation from Carroll College, Debbie followed in her father’s footsteps and joined the United States Navy. She was commissioned an Ensign in 1987, then served diligently and proudly in the Navy Nurse Corps for more than 20 years. Her career spanned the globe from the West Coast duty stations of San Diego and Oakland, California; to Pensacola, Florida, in the Gulf Coast; to the Pacific island of Guam; as well as overseas during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

During her service career, the hands that comforted, encouraged and ministered to others also lovingly accepted the gift of her daughter, Shelby, to whom Debbie’s devotion and love remained steadfast.

Debbie’s zest for knowledge was paramount in her military career; she sought training as an OR nurse and served aboard USNS Mercy, USS Peleliu, and several other ships throughout the fleet. Later in her military career, Debbie attended the University of Colorado to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Debbie attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander and retired from the United States Navy in 2007. She returned to Missoula to be near her family and to continue her service to others as a Nurse Practitioner, practicing alongside Dr. Timothy Burke, M.D.

Debbie is preceded in death by her father, John M. Gregory III, and her older sisters, Catherine Gregory Kohrt and Cheryl Hall. She is survived by her daughter, Shelby Booth; her mother, Norma J. (Herbkersman) Gregory; her brothers, David (Deborah), John (Sarah), and Brian (Ellie); several nieces and nephews; and a global band of loving friends.

A vigil service will be held on Monday, July 17, at 7:00 p.m. at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 18, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, with a reception to follow in Reidy Hall. Graveside military honors will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Missoula.

A savings account has been established for Debbie’s daughter, and, should friends desire, contributions may be made for Shelby Booth in Debbie’s honor. Memorials may be sent to Park Side Credit Union, 4055 Brooks St., Suite C, Missoula, MT 59804.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, dear Debbie. You lived with honor, courage, and commitment. You stand relieved.