Deborah Chimahusky

Deborah (Debbie) Ruth Chimahusky, 70, of Fremont, died Sunday, August 31, 2025, at home surrounded by her family and holding her favorite daughter's hand. She took her last breath in a bedroom that overlooked the yard filled with flowers in the garden and goldfinches in the air. Debbie spent the last two weeks of her life at peace knowing her faith was strong and that she was heading to a better place. Her beloved husband, Edward, was at her side fulfilling his marriage vows through her sickness just as he had done during the decades of health. Each day until the last was filled with laughter, tears, stories, more tears, and plenty of love from her family.
Debbie was born to parents Helen (Melson) and Perry Murley, on February 4, 1955, in Waukegan, Illinois. Debbie grew up in Zion, IL, as the middle child with two sisters and graduated from Zion-Benton High School in 1973. She attended Mississippi State University where she studied history and met her husband. Debbie continued her education later in life and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1999 from Bowling Green State University and in 2007 graduated from Loyola University, New Orleans, with a Master of Pastoral Studies degree. She was a lifetime learner with a thirst for knowledge, especially in the area of religious studies.
Debbie married Edward Chimahusky on May 8, 1976, in Starkville, MS, after a whirlwind six-month courtship. She happily followed wherever the Navy sent him around the United States and as far as Naples, Italy, where she had fond memories of walking down the street to buy fresh baguettes and cappuccino. They eventually settled in Fremont, OH, with their three children: David (Racquel) Chimahusky of Tiffin, OH; Jane Chimahusky of Fremont, OH; and Patrick Chimahusky of Fremont, OH. Her eldest son, David, gave her the greatest joy of two grandchildren, Jaxten and Elle, who she loved so much from the moment they were born.
Debbie was a midwife who assisted women in bringing their children into this world in the comfort of their own homes. She also worked for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Toledo and gave aid to those that needed it. Debbie spent many years homeschooling her children for part of their grade school education before letting various local schools take it the rest of the way.
Debbie enjoyed gardening; watching and feeding birds; and herbology. Out of her collection of Audubon Bird plush animals, her favorite was the cardinal, fondly nicknamed "the Uncle Pat bird" after her youngest son with his head of long hair. She was an avid book collector and always wished she had more bookshelves to hold all her books (which usually resulted in her husband building those extra bookshelves). Debbie could often be found strolling around the neighborhoods of Fremont with walking stick in hand. Her family liked to joke that they weren't sure if she used the walking stick for balance or as a weapon. Debbie's walks frequently led her to Spiegel Grove where the squirrels gladly welcomed her and her peanut filled pockets.
Debbie was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Fremont; a member of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament; and an active long-time member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church women's book club. She was a Benedictine Oblate of St. Bede Abbey of Peru, IL.
Debbie is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and her sister Ann Martin of Zion, IL, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents Perry Murley (2004) and Helen Murley (2017); sister Nita Kirtz (2021); and nephew Michael Kirtz (2008).
Debbie was a loving mother and a wonderful friend to all that met her. While the length of this obituary may show otherwise, words really cannot express how much she will be missed. Her family will cherish every day, year, and decades they had with her but will always know it was never long enough.
The family would like to thank those at Heartland Hospice that helped Debbie go gracefully from this life to the next. As Dame Cicely Saunders, a pioneer of the hospice movement, said "You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die."
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at Hanneman-Keller Funeral Home, 416 S. Arch Street, Fremont, OH. Rosary will start at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Fremont. Debbie will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Donations can be made in Debbie's name to the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, 194 St. Francis Ave, Tiffin, OH, 44883.
Hanneman Funeral Homes is honored to serve Debbie's family and encourage those to share a fond memory or condolence by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
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