Deborah Louise Oshman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deborah (Glassberg) Oshman, whose presence in this world touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and love. She left us at the age of 92 on July 7, 2025, after a life well lived.

Debbie was born into a loving family in Manchester, New Hampshire on April 23,1933, daughter of Max and Hannah Glassberg, and younger sister to Carl. She grew up surrounded by warmth, laughter, and the values that would shape the character for which she was known. Her fondest memories from this time included extended visits to York Beach, Maine, where she would bring her children and where they would, in turn, bring their own children.

When asked a few months before her passing to visualize a place that brought her happiness, she named Nubble Light in York Beach. She described sitting on the rocks as a young girl, listening to the waves crash below her, and gazing out at the sea. From the look on her face it was plain to she was transported by those memories and felt at peace.

During high school, Debbie enjoyed performing in musicals and headed the cheerleading squad. This may explain an undiminished spirit of optimism she tried to pass on to her children (with varying degrees of success).

After graduation, Debbie went on to train at the Beth Israel School of Nursing in Brookline, Massachusetts, graduating in 1955. Later that year, she had her first job as a nurse at the summer camp located at Mount Washington, a position she fondly remembered. Years later, she enjoyed visiting the historic hotel there and acting as tour guide to her children and grandchildren.

Before long, Debbie was ready to look to the horizon and persuaded a high school friend to move with her to New York City to seek out excitement and adventure. They found an affordable basement apartment on the Upper West Side near Central Park, and she took a job immediately upon arrival, working in public health. Her position took her all over upper Manhattan where she visited the homes of the city's newly arrived immigrants and the poor. She would later recall with fondness the aroma of unfamiliar foods wafting from doorways of those she served.

In March of 1957, Debbie was introduced to and fell in love with Irving Oshman and they married six months later in September of that year. The two were together until his passing in 2010, having spent 53 years alongside one other. Their home was a place of welcome, where stories were shared, jokes were told, and infectious laughter was the background soundtrack of their lives. It's important to note that Debbie loved to spend her free time constantly catching up with friends and family in any way possible as she cared about so many. Also, she loved to help with the personal challenges in the lives of those she loved and was ready to offer encouragement and advice (both solicited and occasionally less so).

Debbie leaves behind her children Ruth, Judy (pre-deceased), Linda and Ben as well as six grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Her grandchildren are Sarah, Pearl, Michael, Abe, Judy and Max. Family was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, a caring daughter and sibling, and a treasured friend to many over a lifetime. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we take solace in the memories we hold dear. The lessons Debbie imparted will remain with us always. She leaves behind a legacy measured in lives enriched, spirits lifted, and the love that continues to ripple outward.