Community Mourns Loss of Nursing Legend Deborah J. Westaway

UPDATE: The nursing community and residents of Chelmsford are mourning the loss of Deborah J. Westaway, a beloved nurse and educator, who passed away at the age of 68. Her impact on healthcare and education echoes throughout the region.

Westaway, a long-term Chelmsford resident, grew up in Andover, where she graduated from Andover High School. She earned her Nursing degree from Boston University, launching a dedicated career in healthcare that spanned several decades. Her commitment to patient care was unwavering, with her motto being, “the needs of the patient come first.”

As a Labor and Delivery Nurse at multiple hospitals, including Boston City Hospital, Westaway supported countless families during some of their most challenging moments. Her legacy extends beyond patient care; her passion for education led her to earn a Master’s Degree in Nurse Education.

For 26 years, she served as a Professor of Nursing at Bunker Hill Community College, where she educated and mentored generations of nursing students. After retiring in 2022, she left an indelible mark on both nursing practice and education.

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

“Deborah was not just a nurse; she was a mentor and a friend to many. Her dedication to her patients and students was unmatched,” said a colleague from Bunker Hill Community College.

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. Funeral arrangements are being managed by BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, with directors Paul A. Hardy, Jr. and Jennifer Lebaropoulos Hardy.

Community members are encouraged to leave messages of remembrance and condolences online at CHELMSFORDFUNERALHOME.COM and to find updates on their Facebook page.

In memory of Deborah J. Westaway, donations can be made to plant a living memorial, honoring her commitment to life and education in nursing.

This loss resonates deeply within the community, highlighting the importance of healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for others. The legacy of Deborah J. Westaway will continue to inspire future generations of nurses and educators.