Deborah Shenosky

Deborah Wilson Shenosky of Spring Hill, Florida, passed away on September 11, 2025 at age 65. A devoted wife, mother and a follower of Christ, she is survived by her husband Larry, her daughter Barbara and son David, her grandson Asher, her sister Teena and her nieces, and the many, many children whom Deborah and Larry helped care for and shape across the years.
Born in Clearwater, Florida on February 9th, 1960, to Betty and Virgil Wilson, Deborah grew up in the Clearwater area. After her family moved to Jacksonville, Deborah met her future husband Larry while the two worked together at a local TV station. Since Larry's nickname at work was "Moose," Deborah quickly became known to co-workers as "Moose-ette."
The couple married in 1981. Deborah and Larry welcomed their first child Barbara in 1984, and their son David in 1987. They lived in south Florida, the Tampa Bay area and in St. Louis, Missouri, but eventually settled in northern California. There, Deborah continued to make differences in the lives of those around her as she became active in the local homeschooling community and her church family. She excelled in bringing out the best in others and dedicated herself to making the world better than you found it. Part of this mission was genuinely lived out in becoming foster parents to children who temporarily needed a safe place during times of tragedy. In later years in California, they welcomed their grandson Asher and immediately set out to spoil him as all good grandparents eventually do.
Those who knew Deborah knew her for the medical miracle that she was. She survived cancer, multiple strokes, Parkinson's, falls and several other life-threatening moments, each time emerging stronger and more determined than ever to persevere with grit and an appreciation for life's remaining blessings. Her struggles - and the courage she found to overcome them – helped change and improve key medical practices that now benefit others fighting similar challenges. Even in death, Deborah's decision to be an organ donor is a legacy of hope and life for scores of others.
Upon the death of her beloved mother Betty, Deborah and Larry retired to Florida with their rescue dog Buckey. There, they found Spring Hill United Church of Christ where Deborah helped the church distribute free food to families in need twice each month. She was quick to pick up a protest sign to speak out against injustice, fiercely devoted to right the wrongs she saw in the world, yet compassionate toward others who did not share her views.
Deborah enjoyed making and sharing amazing meals, often calling cooking her "love language" as she showered those around her with amazing home cooked meals and favorite recipes. She was an avid scrapbooker, as evidenced by the bookshelves she filled with albums of photos and stories that now serve as a testament to her amazing life. She loved attending Broadway musicals and cherished the enduring messages they conveyed – along with the tunes that inevitably would become part of the soundtrack of her life. One of those tunes from the musical Wicked tells a story of redemption and the search for good in those around us. As a song professes, Deborah believed that "people come into our lives for a reason," and that our challenge is to both change and allow ourselves to be changed "for good." Deborah leaves a lasting handprint on the hearts of all those she loved and cared for.
On Saturday, October 11th, 2025, close family members will help lay Deborah to rest at a private ceremony in Dunedin, Florida, where Deborah will be buried beside her mother, Betty.
On Sunday, October 12th, 2025, at Noon, Family members and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at Spring Hill United Church of Christ, 4244 Mariner Blvd. in Spring Hill, Florida. A reception will follow the service in the church's Fellowship Hall. Those unable to travel to the church memorial are welcome to view a Zoom webcast of the service at: https://bit.ly/SundayWebcast.
Deborah wanted "I'll Fly Away" to be among the songs sung upon her passing. Her family knows her passing from this vale of tears is a blessing because she has now taken up her rightful place in Heaven alongside so many loved ones, dear friends, and Christ who has now welcomed His good and faithful servant to His halls of glory.
From her family: rest well Deborah enjoy watching over us all as we continue to live and love others the ways you taught us to. Watch over us as we cook meals for the hungry, keep making and preserving memories, and pray for those striving to be better people until we are finally reunited and can hug you again.