Debra Frei-Lahr Obituary

I know it´s been a while, but no amount of time erases the pain.I know she will always be near and dear to you! Take care, tell the kids I said hi...

She is unforgettable. I think of her when I see yellow daffodils. She gave so many hope in their darkest hours. She will always be missed.

I had a bone marrow transplant at Barnes Hospital-St. Louis in 1987. I have been cancer-free since that date thanks to Dr. Frei-Lahr and Dr Geoffery Herzig. They were a wonderful team with cutting -edge technical knowledge mixed with so much human compassion beyond compare. I feel so fortunate to be in that place in her career. She was the "salt of the earth. Laying in the hospital bed I remember how her eyes expressed so much warmth and confidence. She made me a braver person just with her eyes. They told me that I am going to make you well again if it humanly possible.

To the family of Dr. Frei-Lahr: I am a nurse at Barnes Hospital and just learned of Dr. Frei-Lahr's passing. I worked with her at the BMT unit in St. Louis in 1986-1988 and loved her dearly. I am so sorry for your loss. I know it has been a few years now, but wanted to share my thoughts. From time to time Debi would bake the most delicious treats for us! She spoke often of her little boy and girl and I remember being amazed that someone so brilliant was also a "down-home" mommy!
My deepest condolences. Sincerely, Julie Koncki, R.N. St. Louis, MO.

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife, Dr. Frei-Lahr, I was one of her
patients over sixteen years ago, lovely women, and very passionate when it
came done to her dedicated work and love for people who needed her. She
will always be missed and have a special place in my heart, Thank God for
her and her family who shared her with us. I just found out about her passing
on March 6, 2010. You and your family are in our prayers. (Mary Smith) McClellanville, SC

I'm so saddened to hear the death of your wife Debbie. I had the opportunity to meet her once at the Surgery Clinic, Scott AFB and she was truly a wonderful person. My prayers are with your and your kids.

March 5,2009
Dr. Lahr and Family,
Just today I learned of Dr. Frei Lahrs passing. In 1994 my wife, Brenda, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and was referred to Debbie at MUSC where she under went a bone marrow transplant. Due to numerous complications she was hospitalized at MUSC for 13 months and during the next 8 years had additional hospitilizations. During those difficult times Debbie spent countless hours with her and on several occasions came in on weekends to deal with problems. As a result, they developed a close doctor-patient relationship and personal friendship. Due to Dr. Frei Lahr's knowledge,skills,dedication and support Brenda was given 8 additional years to enjoy and cherish life, for which she was, and our family will be for ever greatful. She was the first doctor Brenda met and MUSC and she was with her when she passed away in 2002. Debbie was a gifted and compassionate physician and wonderful person. Please know that we share your loss and that you and the family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
With Deepest Sympathy,
The Bill Mahan Family

Dear Dr. Lahr & Children, We are so very sorry for your unimaginable loss of Dr. Frei-Lahr (as she was known to us) & we are so deeply saddened by her passing. Dr. Frei-Lahr was my husband's doctor since 2001 and I am certain that you are receiving many notes similar to mine, but I also know, as so did your amazing wife and mother, that each one will be different. I've found myself saying this to alot of people, but regretfully never to Dr. Frei-Lahr, but, she was, the "water in my pool"! My husband and I moved here to the Hilton Head, SC area(from the Northeast) just shy of his three year post donor bone marrow transplant. We made a life-style change and started to look for Doctors. I quickly realized that "I jumped in the pool and didn't look to see if there was water"........Until we met Dr. Debra Frei-Lahr". She very confidently diagnosed my husband David's GVH and her steady aura was something that the wife of a transplant patient (and, needless to say, the patient) cling to. Dr. Frei-Lahr not only had a diagonosis, but she also had a plan. I do not have the words to express how grateful we are for how she got us through so many truly difficult times. She left this life way too early. We are so, so sorry for your loss. Dr. Frei-Lahr has cared for my husband since June 2001 and we are forever in her debt and yours, as well. There really aren't words to express our sadness for her passing or for our gratitude for her presence in our lives. When we heard the news that she had passed, while at my husband's appointment this week, we were both so stunned and saddened. You will always be in our prayers and Dr. Frei-Lahr will always be in our hearts. We will never, ever forget her. With our love, prayers & thoughts always,
Janet & David Warren

At my Vanderbilt med school reunion this fall, I asked pathologist Sally Self if she happened to know you and Debbie in Charleston. She gave me the shocking news of Debbie's illness and death, and she told me you had moved. I'm not a "surfer" but finallly decided to try the "google" approach to finding you. I am so sorry that Debbie has left you at this stage of your life - much as my dad suddenly left my mom right after "Match Day." I recall how Debbie managed pregnancies, wired jaws, broken limbs, etc. as an intern at UAB, remodeling a house, yardwork, etc. - while I just struggled to keep myself going to work! I'm sure she handled her career and her illness and death with that same ease and grace. I would guess she blessed most everyone she came in contact with during her too-short life. She has always been one of my "most admired persons," and I still often tell folks about my first intern to supervise and my friend.
I regret that Jack and I didn't get back to Charleston with time for a visit - your children were very small the last time we saw you. I hope that life is good to you there in Jackson (my med school roommate is a UM alum who is a pediatrician in Vicksburg - also a Debbie but Smith!)
If you ever have the opportunity to come to the coast, we would love to see you, house you (Pensacola or an old house at Orange Beach, AL), talk with you (I'd like to know about the Olympic Torch picture!)

Dear Chris,
I read about Debbie's death in the U of C alumni magazine. It's very sad that she died so young. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a lovely person, and you were such a great couple.
Wynn Jackson (med school classmate U of Chicago 1989)

Dear The Family of Debra Frei-Lahr,
I was stunned by the news of Dr. Frei-Lahr. When I was first diagnosed, my local oncologist told me.. she was the best, but she will be very frank with you. Having re-occuring Hodgkin's Disease, I was scared to death. They made me think she was a monster; much to my surprise when I met her I knew she was an angel in disguise. I relied on her knowledge and her caring bed side manner to help me thru this trying time in my life. I ended up having a transplant in September of 2003, and without her... well it goes without speaking. Please know she was loved deeply.

Dear Dr. Lahn and children,
I went to high school with Debbie at St. Gertrudes, actually graduated with Gary. I remember Debbie so well as being so focused on excellence even then and fun to be around and I watched her career from afar with pride and joy. I was shocked to hear of her passing. My sincerest sympathy goes out to all of you. She was an extraordinary woman and many, many lives have been blessed by her.

With love and prayers,

Dr. Lahr and family, I was very sorry to hear about Dr. Frei (and shocked). I was a fellow at MUSC in 91 and 92. She was a great doc. Very, very bright and super nice. She was very patient and had to be to put up with me. I am very sorry. M. Toomey

I want to express our sadness at the passing of Dr. Frei-Lahr. My wife, Jennifer VanHese was a patient of Dr. Frei-Lahr when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma while pregnant. Dr. Frei-Lahr played a great part in my wife's treatment and her victory over cancer. She kept in touch with us over the years and took great interest in my wife's recovery and was always there if we had a question or concern. Please be assured that she will never be forgotten in our heart and mine and we wish you only the best.

Dear Dr. Lahr & family,
I just found out about Dr. Frie-Lahr, and am so sorry. She treated my husband for over 3 years, brought him through 2 transplant, and became a friend. After her leaving HCC we have ask of her often, but don't go back but every 3 months, so we are behind. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. She will always be remembered for the wonderful work she did, not only for my husband, but for me and our family as well.

My sympathy and prayers come to Chris and family at this time. Debra is fondly remember here at Carroll College for the beautiful person she is and for the extraordinary life she lived. May she rest in peace with all the saints. I will remember Debbie and all her family in a special way during the college's Mass of the Holy Spirit to be celebrated at the St. Helena Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14. With all good wishes to you. Sincerely, Msgr. Joseph Harrington

Dear Dr. Lahr,
Jeannie and I were so sorry to hear about the passing of your wife. We did not know her, but know that she was very special to a lot of people. May God comfort you and your family in the way only he can. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lorene and Jeannie Pierce

Dear Chris and Family,
I am so sorry to hear that you have lost Debbie. I have frequently told my children the story of how Debbie was playing racquetball the day before a big test. That was when I knew that I had a lot to learn about time management!
Sincerely,
Michele Moreen Sverchek
college friend

Dr Lahr,
Richard and I were so sad to hear about the loss of your wife, Debra. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I will never forget how you truely saved my life.
With Warms Regards,
Debra and Richard Newman

Our thoughts are with your family. We know that you will be comforted by her presence in all that she touched.
The Klines

Dear Dr. Lahr and Family,
I, too, was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Frei-Lahr's passing. My husband and I first met her at MUSC in 2003 when he was diagnosed with AML. Because of the bone marrow transplant that she orchestrated, we shared 4 more wonderful years. I lost my beloved husband last year. I will always be grateful to Dr. Frei-Lahr and her staff for their dedication and the special care that was given to us at MUSC. My prayer is that God will wrap His loving arms around you and your family and comfort you as only He can do. God bless you. I can only imagine that Mike and Dr. Frei-Lahr are now walking down the streets of gold smiling and free from all their pain.

Chris, Kelly, Derek--Thinking of all of you these days. I know it has been long and hard. But I know our beloved Deb is at peace now. I remember with much fondness our days as house officers in Birmingham and some good times in St. Louis, too. She was a wonderful human being. All our lives are enriched for having known her. She'll always be in our thoughts. Warmest regards--

To the family of Dr. Frei-Lahr,
Our family extrends our condolences to you in your loss and lifts our prayers in thanksgiving and praise for the life of Dr. Debra Frie-Lahr. Although I didn't know her first hand, I know of her courage, determination and compassion through her care for our loved one, Brenda Wylie. She shared her spirit through her knowledge and her care, and it lives on in the lives of the many patients whom she touched so deeply.

your mother will be missed a lot! i bet she was awesome at home, because she sure was at work. She helped my friend, Brenda Wylie, enjoy her life a lot longer than some thought. Brenda is doing so good. I thank the dr., and the Lord for recovery!! God bless your family

Sincerely, Perry Harris

I never had the privilege of meeting your wife and/or mother, Dr. Frei-Lahr, but I know her name well. My aunt, Brenda Wylie, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2004 and she has always, always, always raved about Dr. Frei-Lahr and chalks her survival up to her. We are so very grateful for the work that she did for my aunt and the many others she cared for and inspired over the years. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.

We are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Frei-Lahr was such a wonderful person and doctor. She was my sister's doctor and we credit her with my sister's incredible recovery. We will always be grateful for her unending determination and will keep you in our prayers.

Debra Frei Lahr was a prior mentor of mine at the MUSC,and greatly enriched my life. She was a genuine person with great attributes, and will always be rememberred favorably. May God Bless her and her family.

Dr chris lahr and family we are sorry for your loss. our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Chris:
Although I didn't know your beloved wife, Debbie, I'm sure she was as lovely and kind as you have always been to me. I meant to come to the Memorial Service yesterday afternoon and got tied up at the bank until it was too late. I don't know if you know, but I lost my beloved Philip 4 March and I'm still grieving and will, always. His death took only 5 wks, like a tornado. It has knocked me for triple loops and I'm miserably sad. It's hard for me to wish you strength to go through yours days when I, too, am completely bereft and understand and empathize. You had 33 wonderful yrs together; we had 50 yrs and 3 mo and people tell me how fortunate we were. True, but we wanted more ... I do wish you strength and faith and the support from your children and extended family. If/when you're back in town, I really would like to see you again. Warm regards, Leah

Our family has you and the children in our prayers. We are so sorry to hear about Debra. She was truly a great lady. Patrice & Ralph Calhoun, Michelle Calhoun Saxton

Dr. Chris Lahr,
We are sorry for your loss , our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

I'M AM A SURVIVOR, THANKS TO DR, LAHR. SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE DEATH OF YOUR WIFE. I KNOW SHE WAS YOUR BEST FRIEND. JOHN SEIGNIOUS.

I worked with Dr. Frei-Lahr as her Administrative Assistant for over 13 years. She was a sweet, wonderful lady and a very caring and well-respected physician. I will miss her smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May God Bless you and keep you in his comforting arms.

I didn’t work with Debbie but I knew her through my wife, who did. In a world where most people have nothing good to say about their bosses, all I ever heard from my wife was how terrific hers was.

For the doubters who want to see rabbits pulled from thin air as miraculous proof that God exists are people who can’t the see miracle of the design and making of the rabbit itself. I think God works most miracles through others.

Debbie was a miracle worker. Instead of bringing people back from the dead, she worked hard and long to keep them among the living. Often with amazing result.

Now she’s gone and I, like many, many others, am sad about it. They say that to imagine the impact one has on things is to envision putting your hand in a bucket of water then withdrawing it. The water quickly fills the space your hand took up and life goes on. I think when someone as gifted and as special as Debbie passes on, it takes longer for the water to fill back in. For the people she loved and those who owe their lives to her, maybe the space never fills in completely.

Surely God continues to incrementally work miracles through others. But He will surely be hard pressed to find another Debbie but comforted to know that she remains in the hearts and thoughts of those who knew her and knew what she truly was: One of His best miracles.

We are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Frei-Lahr was my husband's physician during his battle with multiple myeloma and she was so kind, caring and compassionate. Her positive attitude played such an important part in his recovery from the transplant. She will definitely be missed by all that knew her. We will always think of her and smile. With sincere sympathy, The Sronce Family

While I never met Dr. Frei-Lahr personally, it was easy to tell how passionate and caring she was about her patients. I did her transcription for two years and she reveled in making sure her patients received nothing but the best and she gave 100 % for each and every one of them. Many thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this trying time.

Dr. Lahr - We are sorry to hear of the passing of your wife. We pray that God will comfort you and your family during this difficult time in your life and provide you with direction and purpose. We like many other of your former patients miss you very much not being in your Charleston practice as we think you are outstanding in your field.

Dear Dr. Lahr - Please accept our condolences in the passing of your wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief. We miss you since you left your practice in Charleston and wish you would reconsider the possibility of returning as we think you are THE best in your field! We love you!

To the Family of Dr. Frei-Lahr: Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. I shall always remember her gentle spirit and calm demeanor when I received my stem cell transplant.When I learned of her health challenges,I prayed for her and now my prays are for you. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dr. Lahr, Kelley & Derek, I am so sorry for your loss. You have been in my prayers throughout this ordeal,and you will remain there. I have such fond memories of time spent on the Toogoodoo and the jet skis. I wish you all the best. Know that God goes with you through this dark valley and will bring you out of it.

I was fortunate to be a roomate of Debbie's during those memorable years at Carroll College. She was brilliant and yet so generous with her intellectual gifts but most of all I valued her great kindness. I feel blessed by having witnessed her joy at Kelley's wedding this past March and I am comforted by knowing that perpetual light will shine upon my old friend and that she is at peace. My prayers are with Chris, Kelley & Matthew, and Derek.

Dr. Frei-Lahr entered our lives in January 1996 and was a true physician. She was honest and compassionate and we knew we could count on her for the best medical and caring advice. Each and every day she delivered her smile and reassurance to us. I will remember her kindness always.
Hollings Cancer Center can not be the same without her. My prayers for wonderful memories and God's peace are with you, her family.

Dr. Lahr, my family has missed you and your wife since you left Charleston. My wife, Janice is alive today because of Dr. Frei-Lahr, and prayers. My daughter, Mary Ellen, is doing well today because of your excellent care of her. And I am still doing good due to your care of me.
We loved Dr. Frei-Lahr and we are going to miss her. Our prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. Our memories of her will continue with us always. I know that she will have many crowns in Heaven. God bless you and your family. We love you and miss you.

Dr. Lahr, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your wife.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Chris and family ~ You are in my thoughts and prayers. You know that your struggles were followed by your classmates and we continue to keep you close to our hearts.

Dr. Lahr and family:
Your wife/mother meant the world to a very dear friend of mine, and, in fact, saved her life. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

To the family of Dr. Frei-Lahr,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been praying for all of you since I found out about Dr. Frei-Lahr's illness. Now, the prayers are for the survivors. She leaves a big hole to fill in many, many lives and she saved many, many lives. I am thankful that she was there to help me.

Dr.Frei-Lahr was the first transplant physician I had the priveledge of working closley with for many years. I've witnessed her save countless lives. She was the Best. I cannot express my feelings of her loss in words. The picture was taken 7-9-1996 when she was honored to carry the torch in the Olympic Torch Relay in Savannah,Ga. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who loved her.

I witnessed first hand what a wonderful person Dr. Frei-Lahr was during my trips to MUSC with a patient of hers, Brenda Wylie. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Dr. Lahr, You have been in our thoughts and prayers since you left your practice and Charleston. We are very sad to see where your wife passed. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers through the difficult days ahead. I am a former patient of yours. God Bless.

Nell and Ray Crenshaw

To the family of my hero, my life saver, Dr. Debra Frei-Lahr. I cannot begin to express my sorry for the loss of this wonderful woman. I have her to thank for being alive and well today. She was an exceptional, loving and caring person with so much DETERMINATION!! She never gave up on me. She will always have a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dr. Lahr, Iwish for you and your family love and peace during thiis time of loss.God will take care you! Knowing of your care ,Dr.Frei-Lahr must have been a truly great individual also. My prayers are with you

There are no words to express the sadness I feel for the loss of Dr Frei-Lahr. She spent her life saving the lives of others, two of whom are very close to me. I will never forget her. I extend my sympathy to all of her family whom she loved so very much.

Dr. Frei-Lahr was one of the best transplant physicians I have had the pleasure of working with. I've missed her so much since she left to deal with her illness and the world has definitely lost one of the great with her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad, sad time.

Dr. Lahr,Kelley,and Derek,

So many tears have fallen for someone so kind
So much heartache and sorry within our minds
So many times she'll be missed,
Espically from Dr. Lahr whom she kissed
So much love and laughter
That will live for ever after
So many times we'll think of her,
She'll never be forgotten thats for sure!

Chris and family:

Sorry about the loss of Debby. I am positive what she left behind will benefit you, your family and the many people she touch during her lifetime.

May God bless you and your family.

My prayers and sympathies are with your family in this time of grief. I worked with and greatly respected Dr. Frei-Lahr for many years. May God bring you comfort and peace.

Dr. Frei-Lahr was the most passionate and caring doctor I've known. She was a pleasure to work with and she will be missed. God bless!

I have had the privilege of knowing Debbie since college days in Helena, MT. Chris, Kelley, Matt and Derek you know that my prayers are with you all. God Bless you and all that you did for your special Debbie to keep her comfortable in her final days on earth.

There are no words. I pray for comfort for you all during this extremely hard time and for all of the greatest memories to resurface to provide laughter.

Dr. Lahr: As one of your patients and a member of the "semi-colons" I cherish the memory of the times I met your lovely and courageous wife. I am so sorry for your loss. The wake of Debra's passing will be felt by many. I pray that the merciful consolation of God's promised presence will keep you safe and grant you a holy peace.

Frei-Lahr Family,
I was saddened to hear of the death of Dr. Frei-Lahr. I worked with her at MUSC in Recovery Room. She was truly commited to her profession and patients. Such a caring, compassionate, dedicated person. Another "ANGEL" in Heaven.

Sorry about your loss.Dr.frei-lahr will be missed.

MY BLESSING WITH YOU KELLY AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF YOUR LOST.

Kelley and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Remember that we love you.

To the family of Dr. Frei-Lahr I am so sorry for your loss, she has been one the best friend that I have ever met at hollings cancer center. In the past years when we used to walk, we have had some great conversations. I will keep the family lifted up in prayer! May God continue to keep you and bless you all!