Obituary of Deborah A. Shavalier

Deborah A. Shavalier of 10 Woodycrest Drive, Northport, NJ 11768 died suddenly when an out of control garbage truck crushed her car on June 29, 2009. She was 56. She was the loving wife of David James and mother of Kara James and Erik James. She was the daughter of Arthur Shavalier and the late Gretchen Shavalier of Olean, New York. She is survived by Daniel and Lucille Shavalier, Margaret Shavalier, two aunts and numerous cousins. From her husband's family she is survived by her mother-in-law Marilyn James, Nancy and Glenn Geiger, Douglas and Erin James, nieces Alexandra and Kristen Geiger, and nephew Daniel James. Deborah had a happy childhood growing up in Olean, New York in a loving, lively family. She graduated from Olean High School in 1970 and went on to earn a BA from Harpur College of SUNY Binghamton. Her double major in Economics and Alternative Cinema hints at Deborah's mixture of serious purpose and artistic fun. After working as a Junior Analyst for Smith Barney she attended The Columbia University Graduate School of Business earning an MBA with highest Honors (Beta Gamma Sigma) in Finance and Accounting. She went on to a rewarding and successful 25-year business career in the food industry. Some of her positions were - Controller, Gevalia Kaffe Import Service, General Foods, White Plains, New York - Plant Controller Maxwell House Coffee, Kraft Foods, Jacksonville, Florida - Controller of Baking Business Western Region, Best Foods, Montebello, California - Director of Corporate Strategic Planning, Best Foods, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey - Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Weston Foods Inc., Bayshore, New York From 2007 until her untimely death Deborah was the Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis for 1-800-Flowers.com. Deborah began dating David James in January 1984 and they were married August 16th 1986 in Olean, New York. In January 1989 they were blessed with a girl, Kara James, and they were again blessed in September 1990 with a boy, Erik James. Deborah was a very engaged parent who loved having fun with her children and their friends. She specialized in exciting, imaginative birthday parties. Deborah loved having family and friends visit. As a gardener she grew sunflowers, foxgloves, bleeding hearts, peonies, blackberries, raspberries, arugula, tomatoes, green onions and many other plants. The richness of her life and her vibrant personality is shown by her wonderful last week spent with family and friends. She worked with her daughter Kara to assemble an art portfolio for a job interview. With her husband and sister she celebrated Northport's graduating seniors at pre-prom parties. Later, she hosted an after-prom party and sleepover for 24 seniors. With pride she saw her son Erik graduate from Northport High School and receive the Music Director's Award. She hiked with family along the Nissequogue River. Everyday she spent hours working, planning, gardening, and relaxing with her loving husband David. Her family, friends, and coworkers will forever miss her sparkling blue eyes, her ready smile, her focused empathy, and her energetic determination. A private Memorial Service was held Saturday, July 18, 2009 at the Bethel Lutheran Church, Portville. The Rev. Dr. Paula Roulette, Pastor officiated. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Truck Safety Coalition, The CRASH Foundation, 2020 14th Street N, Suite 710, Arlington VA 22201 Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street, Olean.