MANSFIELD: Deborah J. “Debbie” Altman, age 73, of Mansfield passed away Friday, April 18, 2025 at Thomas P. Perciak Family Residential Hospice.
She was born March 3, 1952 in Mansfield to David and Eleanor (Dorner) Davies, graduated from Madison High School in 1970 and married her high school sweetheart Martin A. “Marty” Altman in 1971.
Always a gifted artist, Debbie was offered an art scholarship and attended Kenyon College in Gambier. She later transferred to Ashland College. Debbie used multiple mediums in her creativity including fabric, paint, embroidery, and beading. For many years, she crafted her signature “Mohican Forest Bears” sold at Yankee Peddler, Prairie Peddler, and bear shows. Debbie delighted in meeting new people at her craft show booth. She also fashioned hoop baskets of many varieties, and later even created glass jewelry. She was a skilled painter and most of her subjects were that of nature like moths, butterflies, birds, trees, and landscapes. She was a regular at the Mansfield Art Center, attending classes and exhibiting her own works. Debbie was creative with needle and thread, from making clothing and costumes to beading and embroidery projects. Very intelligent, she enjoyed history and accounting for our cultural traditions. She loved cats and houseplants even keeping an herbal garden at her home. An active mother and loving grandma, she will be remembered for her whimsical, eccentric personality.
Debbie is survived by her only son John (Deb) Altman, grandchildren Samantha and Gavin Altman; her parents: siblings Richard (Diane) Davies, Deirdre (Bradd) Stevens, and David Davies; and dear friends Michelle Swiniarski, Julie Earley, and Mickey Earley.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marty, and a daughter-in-law, Heather.
Friends may call Friday, April 25 from 5 to 7 pm in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home where a service of remembrance will follow at 7 pm. Family friend Jonathan Stufft will speak.
Donations in honor of Debbie may be made to S.T.O.P. (Stop the Overpopulation of Pets), 1152 Lexington Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio 44907.
The Bellville Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Altman family and encourage messages of support at snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Bellville Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com