BREAKING: Deborah J. Westaway, a beloved figure in nursing education and a dedicated healthcare professional, has passed away at the age of 68. Westaway, a long-time resident of Chelmsford, was known for her unwavering commitment to patient care and education.
Westaway’s legacy began in Andover, where she graduated from Andover High School before earning her nursing degree from Boston University. Her career as a Labor and Delivery Nurse spanned multiple hospitals, including Boston City Hospital, where she supported countless families during pivotal moments in their lives. Her motto, “the needs of the patient come first,” underscored her profound dedication to nursing.
In a remarkable turn of her career, Westaway earned a Master’s Degree in Nurse Education and served as a Professor of Nursing at Bunker Hill Community College for an impressive 26 years. She was instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous nursing students, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
Westaway retired in 2022, but her impact in both nursing practice and education continues to resonate. She is survived by her partner, Brad MacGowan, her brothers William, Bruce, and Barry Westaway, her sister Dorothy Donohue, and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Claudine Westaway.
A 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 take place privately. Arrangements are entrusted to BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, with directors Paul A. Hardy, Jr. and Jennifer Lebaropoulos Hardy overseeing the proceedings.
Those wishing to honor Deborah’s memory can plant a living memorial or send flowers in her name. For online condolences, visit CHELMSFORDFUNERALHOME.COM and find them on Facebook.
Deborah J. Westaway will be remembered not just for her professional achievements but for the countless lives she touched throughout her career. Her dedication to nursing and education will leave a lasting impact on future generations.
