Deborah Lynn Gorney

Deborah “Debbie” Lynn Gorney, age 71, of South Bend, Indiana, passed peacefully from this earth into the arms of Jesus, after a brief battle with cancer on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Debbie was born in Plymouth, Indiana, to the union of Darmon and Mary Fine, and was a lifelong Indiana resident. Debbie worked for Catholic Charities as an office assistant for many years. She then devoted herself as a private home health companion, where she provided compassionate, professional care to each of her patients.

Debbie enjoyed watching old TV programs such as M*A*S*H, Bonanza, and I Love Lucy, to name a few.

She also listened to the music of the Monkees, and “REAL” country music, but her favorite music was worship music and the old hymns. She enjoyed attending Christian concerts.

Debbie’s GREATEST love on earth was spending time with her family and making memories along the way.

Debbie's FIRST love was Jesus, and her heart's desire was to let everybody know that “JESUS is the ONLY way to eternal life!” Because of her trust in Jesus, we know that Debbie is now healed and in Heaven with her Lord.

She was a member at Calvary Church and was involved in various Bible studies, The Daughters of the King, and served on the family night meal team.

Debbie is survived by her children: Scott (Becky) Gorney, Nicholas (Mary) Prathaftakis, Jack (Teresa) Gorney, Edmund Gorney, Kellyjo (Chris) Gorney. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Emily, Tyler, Will, Alex, Julia, Mary, Nathaniel, David and Gracelynn; two great-grandchildren; five brothers, Les, Mike, Pat, Doug and Jim Fine; two sisters, Katy Vanwanzeele and Susie Smith; several nieces and nephews; a multitude of friends; and an amazing church family. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Darmon and Mary Fine; her husband, Jack Gorney, Sr.; and her sisters, Patrice Fine and Cecilia (Squeaky) Winnicki.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to all the staff of the Ernestine M. Raclin House (Center for Hospice Care); St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, oncology and step-down unit; and the numerous doctors and other care providers who extended so much compassion to all of us. And, to any and all who prayed, called, visited and supported Debbie and the family. There are not enough words to express our gratitude. May God richly bless each and every one of you.

Donations in Debbie’s honor may be made to Calvary Church Children/ Youth Ministry or to the Center for Hospice Care, Ernestine M. Raclin House.

A memorial service to celebrate Debbie’s life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Calvary Church, 3001 W. Cleveland Road, South Bend, Indiana. Visitation will start at 11:00 a.m., with the service at 12:00 p.m.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with her care.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deborah Lynn Gorney, please visit our floral store.