Maria (Kurmanova) Chernyakhovskaya

Maria (Kurmanova) Chernyakhovskaya, age 67, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Russia, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, October 28, 2023.  Maria was born on Wednesday, August 1, 1956, in Kalinovka, Russia to the late Artemi Mikushin and Marfa Kurmanova.  In addition to her parents, Maria is preceded in death by two brothers.

Maria’s survivors include three sisters, one brother, her daughter Lyudmila Lanzetta, and her son- in- law John Lanzetta, of Mechanicsburg.

Maria was a person of many talents. Her greatest passion and talent was as an artist and painter. Her beautiful watercolors and oils on canvas continue to bring great joy to her family and friends.  

Her inner beauty, love of life and creativity shone through in everything she touched. Whether it be arranging a pile of rocks into a unique natural sculpture or painting a portrait of a friend, one could always feel the presence of her joyful spirit.

She was a lover of nature, finding great joy in being outdoors. She most enjoyed hours walking peacefully in a forest, communing with the flowers and wildlife or on a beach breathing the air and listening to the waves while collecting shells and driftwood to later turn into amazing artistic creations.

She was also an avid and accomplished Gardener and was recognized for her talents by the Quakertown Garden Society with a stop on their annual Garden Tour and with a nomination from the Quakertown Alive Properties of Merit program.  

Everyone who met her was immediately taken by her infectious smile, her boundless energy, generosity and compassion, her kind, gentle, welcoming demeanor, and her incredible sense of humor. 

The joy, happiness, and steady, calming gentleness she brought to our lives and to our world will be missed every single day.  

Maria’s family will be remembering her life privately.

Maria’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Maria’s full obituary, view her photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.