MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – A Wisconsin woman whose trip to Mackinac Island last year was turned into an unexpected fairy-tale adventure by a group of “island angels” has died after a lengthy fight with cancer. Debbie Kornusky passed away Saturday. She was 44.
The photographer and mother had long loved the island, but had never spent the night there for a proper vacation to take in all the sights until last fall, when she connected with island residents and enthusiasts on the Addicted to Mackinac Island group on Facebook. Already battling Stage 4 cervical cancer at that time, Kornusky’s message about her love for the island caught the attention of Rose Witt, an innkeeper for two island B&Bs, who arranged a two-night stay for Kornusky, her husband, Mark, and their young daughter, Lily.
Her short trip quickly stretched to several days last October. It spun into a whirlwind of generosity from island residents and business – meals, gifts, a fort tour and a plane ride – that culminated in Debbie Kornusky dancing with her husband inside Grand Hotel with the encouragement of Jane Seymour, who was there for the annual “Somewhere in Time” weekend.
By the end of that trip, Mackinac Island had adopted Debbie and her family as their own.
“It seemed like it was angels,” Kornusky said at the time, recounting the surprising series of events in an MLive interview. “It was people who didn’t even know me. It was amazing.”
Kornusky described feeling buoyed by a huge group of people - strangers who became her angels on an island community that became like her second home.
Rose Witt (left), innkeeper of The Cottage Inn and The Mackinac House, stands with Debbie Kornusky, her husband, Mark Kornusky, and their daughter, Lily, on Mackinac Island in 2019. Photo courtesy of Katharine Rose Witt.
Word of her death spread quickly across Northern Michigan earlier this week.
“Debbie’s brave battle with cancer and her love for Mackinac Island touched the hearts of so many more than just people on the Island. It was through our Facebook group that Rose Witt and Debbie initially connected, and we are grateful to have played a small part in making some of her dreams a reality,” said Linda Sorensen, one of the administrators of the Addicted to Mackinac page. “Debbie’s courage and positive attitude were inspiring to so many. The friendships that developed and support provided by members really brings to light how great social media can be when used properly. ... She will forever be remembered and her family continues in our prayers.”
Seymour also sent out her condolences to Kornusky’s family, remembering the lovely meeting they had last fall inside Grand Hotel. Seymour’s twin sons played the piano for Kornusky’s family, and the actress’s granddaughter, Willa, made friends with Debbie’s daughter.
“I’m overcome with deep sadness this morning as I’ve just heard that Debbie Kornusky has lost her battle with cancer. It was such an honour to have met such a wonderful and selfless human being," Seymour posted on Facebook recently. "Debbie and her family joined us last year in Mackinac Island and our families shared unforgettable moments.”
A native of Marinette, Wisconsin, Kornusky married her husband in 1997 and they made their home there. Kornusky could often be found behind the lens of her Cottage Hill Photography business, and became well-known for her holiday portraits of children with Santa. Since she was a child, trips to Mackinac held a special place in her heart, so last fall’s vacation and its multitude of kind gestures were a dream come true, despite her deteriorating health. Friends said Kornusky’s personality remained so upbeat, even when she had to cut short plans because she tired easily during the trip.
Debbie Kornusky and Jane Seymour share a moment at Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel in 2019. Photo courtesy of Katharine Rose Witt.
"Her smile was contagious and she had the most gentle soul,” said Victoria Buursma, who is Rose Witt’s eldest daughter and the person who arranged Kornusky’s meeting with Jane Seymour last fall. “She was an incredibly deserving person considering the uphill fight she was battling on a daily basis and no matter the struggle or pain she was in, she always put her family first. I’m forever grateful for having the opportunity to meet Debbie, Mark and Lily and the memories we have created together will forever be in my heart. If only everyone in the world had the opportunity to meet Debbie because she would have impacted many lives.”
Reached through a friend, Mark Kornusky reflected on his wife’s love of Mackinac. “It’s been a family tradition and we all have a draw that’s special to that amazing island.”
A private family service was planned, with a larger celebration of life remembrance to be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Hansen-Onion-Martell Funeral Home of Marinette.
Debbie Kornusky stands with her daughter, Lily, on the balcony of The Mackinac House on Mackinac Island in 2019. Photo courtesy of Katharine Rose Witt.
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