BREAKING: Deborah J. Westaway, a cherished figure in the nursing community and esteemed educator, has passed away at the age of 68. She died on February 3, 2026, in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, leaving behind a profound legacy in healthcare and education.
Westaway, who grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, dedicated her life to nursing after earning her degree from Boston University. She began her career as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at various hospitals, including Boston City Hospital, where she supported families during pivotal moments. Her commitment was clear: “the needs of the patient come first,” a motto she lived by throughout her career.
With a deep passion for teaching, Westaway pursued a Master’s Degree in Nurse Education, eventually becoming a Professor of Nursing at Bunker Hill Community College. For an impressive 26 years, she educated and mentored countless nursing students, instilling in them the same dedication to patient care that defined her own career. She retired in 2022, leaving a lasting impact on both her students and the nursing profession.
Deborah is survived by her partner, Brad MacGowan, her brothers William, Bruce, and Barry Westaway, and her sister, Dorothy Donohue, alongside many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Claudine Westaway.
Her funeral service is scheduled for 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. The arrangements are managed by the BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, situated at 24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford, under the direction of Funeral Directors Paul A. Hardy, Jr. & Jennifer Lebaropoulos Hardy.
Westaway will be remembered not just for her professional achievements but for the many lives she touched through her compassion and commitment. Her influence on the nursing community and her legacy of education continue to resonate.
To honor her memory, friends and family are encouraged to plant a living memorial or contribute flowers. For those wishing to extend their condolences, an online guestbook is available at CHELMSFORDFUNERALHOME.COM and on their Facebook page.
As the community mourns this loss, it reflects on the invaluable contributions of Deborah J. Westaway, a true advocate for nursing and education.
