With deep grief and under the circumstances of a great loss, we announce the passing of Deborah Marie O'Connell McGuire, a woman of extraordinary spirit, who departed this life peacefully on May 19, 2025 of cancer, at the age of 64, surrounded by her loving family in Northampton, MA.
Born in Watertown, MA on October 25, 1960, to Edmund O’Connell and Antoinette O’Connell, Deborah was a beloved nurse, mother, sister, and wife. She graduated St. Elizabeth's Nursing School in Brighton, MA in 1984. With her kind and thoughtful care, many lives were touched and helped to heal throughout her career in nursing. She served as a pediatric nurse at Boston Children's Hospital, the University of Virginia Hospital, and for many years at Newton Wellesley Pediatrics. Her commitment to caring extended to various roles, including nursing and nurse manager positions at Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Night Nurse, and Charter Psychiatric Hospital in Charlottesville, VA.
It was in Charlottesville where Deborah met Edward McGuire, who was privileged to marry her and make her his wife, describing her as his, “dream come true.” While her professional life was distinguished, Deborah's greatest pride and joy was found in her family. She found immense fulfillment in guiding her children to grow, live, and thrive as individuals and parents. Her deep love for her family manifested in creating beautiful homes and countless cherished memories. It was a terrible sadness for her to know that her illness would prevent her from seeing her beloved grandchildren grow up.
Deborah leaves behind her husband Edward “Ned”, her four children and their spouses, Dr. Patrick McGuire and Katherine Tuckett of Roslindale, Hallie McGuire, RN and Claire Jenison of Greenfield, Hayden McGuire, Esq. and Kelly McGuire of Roslindale, and Samuel McGuire of Eastampton, and her grandchildren, Miles (4) and Rose (1). In addition, she is survived by a large number of grieving members of her birth family including her sisters Karen Divito of Dennis, Susan Fratto of Waltham, Janice Caporiccio of Waltham, and Maryann LoVerme of Subdury; their husbands, children, and grandchildren; and her mother, Antoinette O'Connell of Wayland. She was predeceased by her father Edmund O’Connell and sister Michele Mason.
Deborah was a vibrant woman who reflected the very best caring and compassionate values in both her career as a pediatric nurse and in her own family life. She faced her illness with immense grace during great suffering and confusion. The memories of her warm heart, delightful spirit, and the joy she brought into every moment will be held dearly by her loved ones forever.
Friends, extended family, and all whose lives were touched by Deborah are invited to join in a public celebration of her life on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Look Park in Florence, MA, starting at 11:00 A.M.
at the Dow Pavillion.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Northampton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or New Incentives (
https://www.newincentives.org/
), for the prevention of child mortality. Please hold Deborah always in your hearts and minds with love and reverence, in the knowledge and grace of God.
A private cremation has taken place, followed by interment at Spring Grove Cemetery in Florence, MA, for the immediate family.