Deborah Elizabeth Ackerman

Deborah “Debby” Ackerman, age 73, passed away February 8, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana after battling pulmonary fibrosis for many years. She was a bright light in this world and was deeply loved by her family, friends, and co-workers.

Debby was born January 24, 1952 in Indianapolis, IN to the late Edwin and José Ackerman. She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Emmerich Manual High School graduating in 1970, and graduated from Marion County General Hospital Nursing Program in 1975 with her nursing degree.

Following Debby’s graduation, she worked at Marion County General Hospital. She then paired her love of travel with her career and became a traveling nurse. Debby served as a nurse all over the United States and especially enjoyed the states of Florida and Alaska. She eventually settled in Los Angeles working in several hospitals. The majority of Debby’s career was spent working in Intensive Care Units.

Debby moved back to Indiana and became a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Greenwood. Her family loved being able to spend even more time with her than before. She was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis approximately seven years ago which was an extraordinarily difficult journey. Holidays, family gatherings, meals together, and playing cards all became even more of a blessing knowing what Debby was facing. 

Debby enjoyed writing and was an avid reader. She also cross stitched for many years. She was very knowledgeable in archaeology which she truly loved. She also loved cats and cherished her cat of 21 years, Chess. Debby was also a Trekkie and a huge fan of Stargate. She attended numerous sci-fi conventions where she made many friends.

Debby was a sweet, strong, fun, caring soul who will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors who took special care of her: Dr. Sandeep Kukreja, Dr. Vijay Rao, and Dr. Linda Harold.

A memorial gathering to honor and celebrate Debby’s life will take place March 28, 2025 at Concordia Lutheran Church, 305 N. Howard Rd., Greenwood, IN 46142. The viewing begins at 11:00 a.m. with the service starting at noon.