Deborah J. Westaway, Esteemed Nurse and Educator, Passes Away

URGENT UPDATE: The nursing community mourns the loss of Deborah J. Westaway, who passed away recently at the age of 68. A long-term resident of Chelmsford and a beloved figure in the healthcare and education sectors, her contributions will be deeply missed.

Westaway grew up in Andover, where she excelled in local public schools before graduating from Andover High School. She earned her Nursing degree from Boston University, launching a distinguished career dedicated to patient care. Known for her unwavering commitment, she worked as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at several hospitals, including Boston City Hospital. There, she supported families during some of the most important moments of their lives, embodying her motto: “the needs of the patient come first.”

Driven by a passion for education, Westaway earned a Master’s Degree in Nurse Education and spent an impressive 26 years as a Professor of Nursing at Bunker Hill Community College. Her legacy includes mentoring countless nursing students, many of whom credit her with shaping their careers. She retired in 2022, leaving behind a profound impact on both nursing practice and education.

Deborah is survived by her partner, Brad MacGowan, her brothers William, Bruce, and Barry Westaway, and her sister Dorothy Donohue, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Claudine Westaway.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will take place on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM at The Chapel at West Parish Garden Cemetery, located at 210 Lowell St., Andover. Interment will be held privately. Arrangements have been entrusted to the BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME at 24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford. Funeral Directors Paul A. Hardy, Jr. & Jennifer Lebaropoulos Hardy are overseeing the arrangements.

For those wishing to honor Deborah’s memory, a living memorial can be planted in her name. An online guestbook is available at CHELMSFORDFUNERALHOME.COM, and updates can be found on their Facebook page.

Deborah J. Westaway will be remembered not just for her professional achievements but for the countless lives she touched through her dedication to nursing and her commitment to education. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.