Bath, New York
Debra A. “Debbie” Cheresnowsky – 69 – formerly of Bath, NY, died Monday (March 31, 2025) at her home in Columbia, Maryland, following a long illness and brief Hospice care.
Born in Brockport on February 23, 1956, she was the daughter of Robert & Barbara (Schnucker) Luffman.
Debbie grew up in Bath and attended Haverling High School in Bath, NY. She is a 1978 graduate of St James School of Nursing in Hornell, NY, and was a Licensed RN in five states (NY, MD, NC, OH, and Washington DC). Recently retired from the State of Maryland, she was recognized with a Governor’s Citation for over 20 years of outstanding healthcare service and professionalism.
Debbie’s career spanned many interesting RN roles and locations which began at Ira Davenport hospital in Bath. After marriage to John Cheresnowsky of Hornell, NY, June 10, 1978, she was employed for several years at The Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, in the burn injury unit. In 1981 as an experienced burn nurse when relocated by her husband’s job, she was hired as lead RN at the North Carolina Baptist Hospital’s newly established burn unit. After having their first child in North Carolina, the family relocated to Avon/Caledonia where she continued working in the burn unit at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.
She also taught Nursing Assistants at Hillside Children’s Center, and was blessed with another daughter and son while in Caledonia. Job changes again intervened by 1994, and the family moved to their present location in Columbia, Maryland.
Debbie then began new roles providing nursing for juvenile detention centers in MD and Washington DC. Her outstanding performance led to her being selected by the Maryland Director of Healthcare to run the newly built Baltimore Juvenile Justice Center medical unit. Thus began her 20 year RN career with the State of Maryland at several major healthcare facilities culminating in retirement August 2024.
Debbie was a Girl Scout leader while her daughters were young, and always ensured the girls sold the most, as she herself bought more cookies than anyone else ever did. She taught religious education classes briefly. Kids sports are very popular in Maryland and her children played all varieties over the years, soccer, football, volleyball, etc. She attended every practice and game, thus becoming a favorite mom amongst the other teammates and parents. Debbie loved crafts and knitted a number of blankets and other items in the past year as she couldn’t get out much. She loved rural motorcycle riding around the countryside. She loved slot machines, and would play the “penny slots” for hours at the Maryland casinos. At home, Debbie wore out several tablets downloading and playing those free games.
She was predeceased by her parents, Bob & Barbara of Bath.
She is survived by her husband John of 47 years, her children Marla Gilmore, April Burke (Dave), and Mark Cheresnowsky, and five grandchildren (Brett, Dillion, Kirsten, Molly, and James). All currently residing in Maryland. She is also survived by her loving sister Wendy Chichester of Indiana, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.
There will be visitation time with the family on Monday, April 7, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, MD 21044 (Room 16). We request that any Maryland gifts or flowers be sent directly to the family at 9297 Broken Timber Way, Columbia, MD 21045.
There will also be visitation time with the family on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY 14843. Funeral and burial services will be held privately.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Deb’s earthly pain and struggles are done, may she rest
In peace with God. So glad you were part of the
“Cheresnowsky/Donlon” clan.
We will miss you and love you forever❤️🙏🏻
John,
No words can adequately address the loss of a spouse, but I pray that you and your family keep the memories of Debbie alive and remember the love all of you shared. May peace be with you.
Greg
John,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your unbearable loss.
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
Ed and Valentina
John, and Entire Cheresnowsky family. So sorry for your loss, Deb is up there with George, Bonnie and many others. God Bless you all. The Drumm Family.
John,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob
Holding you in love and light, April and family 🤍
I’m glad my niece is now at peace. She obviously touched many people in her career in Nursing.
My condolences to Debbie’s family. I know how difficult is to loose a close loved one.
Penni and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences to the family. May God comfort you in your time of grieving. God bless you all.
Our family is saddened by the loss of our cousin Debbie. We may not have stayed connected in our adult lives but we will always remain connected as part of the same branch of the Luffman family tree. We all fondly remember Luffman family gatherings growing up where Debbie held her own against the teasing of the Eichas and Gerlach boys. It was a pleasure to read that that strength of character remained strong throughout her life and had such a positive impact on her family and community at large. We send our sincerest condolences.
John & Family,
I know that words can do little to ease the pain of loss, but please know that you are in my thoughts and I am here for you if you need anything. May the love and support of those around you provide some comfort in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Michele & Eddie Gonzalez
I’m saddened to lose my step-daughter Debra. She has been worthy help to her family and so many others. It has been an honor to love her.
Love you Deb….
Mom L.🧡
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. When I lost my first father, Deb, reached out to me. She stepped in and helped me transition through a very rough time. But, that was Deb! Full of love and compassion for others. My life is richer for having known her. Sending love and prayers to family and friends. It was truly an honor to have had her in my life. She made a difference in the lives of everyone who knew her.
John and family: Sorry to hear of the recent passing of Debbie. Prayers to all the family. Will & Jean, Fort Mill, SC.