Debra A. Bourgholtzer

Debra ‘Debbie’ Bourgholtzer (Eisenlohr) passed away on October 31, 2024 at the age of 69 due to complications during open heart surgery, which she faced with unwavering bravery. Debbie was an incredible mother, partner, sister, friend and nurse who always saw the best in people. Thoughtful, kind, and patient, she dedicated her life in service of others, most especially her children, while always finding time for her friends and community. Growing up in Upper Saddle River and later raising a family in Mahwah, she made many lifelong friendships. Debbie found her calling in nursing, where her compassion and gentle humor gave comfort and hope to countless patients and families. She first worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York, earned her BS in Nursing with honors at Ramapo College, then dedicated 22 years to The Wanaque/Phoenix Center supervising infection control and staff education. Never wavering in her desire to mentor others, she continued to teach and share the knowledge she gained as a practicing nurse for over 40 years well into her retirement. Debbie was witty and fun to be with, and her radiant smile put others at ease. A lover of the music of her generation, especially folk songs, she enjoyed concerts and had an enviable collection of vinyl records. She found peace in nature, usually while walking with the people she loved. Famous amongst her friends and family for her heartfelt handwritten notes, she never lost her gentle heart or her faith in God, even in the most testing situations. Where most would have faltered or closed their hearts, she courageously opened hers, loving and living ever more deeply. Born with a congenital heart defect, she defied odds from the very beginning, which informed her ever knowing sense of what was most important in this life. If granted another day in this world, we know she would spend it laughing and loving her grandchildren. Debbie is predeceased by her son Matthew, husband John, sisters Maureen and Kathie, and parents Marion & Alfred Eisenlohr. She will be greatly missed by her son Owen Bourgholtzer of Mahwah, NJ, and by her daughter Jillian Dorr, son-in-law Jon and her treasured grandchildren Charlotte and Samuel of Frisco, CO where she enjoyed time in recent summers. Debbie was loved by her sisters Chris (Larry) Denue, Amy Eisenlohr, Sharon (Ron) Cheslock, her sisters-in-law Joey Bourgholtzer and Mary K. Sullivan, many nieces and nephews, and her extended family of close friends. 

Arrangements are through Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, Ramsey N.J. 

Her family has invited everyone who loved Debbie to a celebration of her life on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 11AM - 2 PM at Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ 07450. Web link for Evite: https://evite.me/celebratedebbie

For those who wish to make a memorial contribution please consider Eva’s Village in Paterson, NJ.

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