Deborah Lynne "Voorhis" Coughlin

Deborah L. Coughlin (Voorhis) of Arlington, Massachusetts and Dennis, Massachusetts June 29, 1964- October 28, 2025

Debbie, aged 61, passed away on October 28, 2025, surrounded by her family after two years of battling pancreatic cancer. Debbie grew up in North Caldwell, New Jersey. She attended Gould School and West Essex Regional schools, and enjoyed attending camp during summers, where she became a proficient horseman. Debbie also enjoyed being in high school

orchestra as head of her violin section. Debbie was always a good student, graduating as one of three valedictorians in her class of 1982. Debbie graduated from Mount Holyoke cum laude and Boston College Law School cum laude.

While working at Tufts University Medical School doing research, Debbie met her husband, John. They married in 1992 and shared more than 33 years together. They had two daughters, Megan and Shannon. After being a stay-at-home-mom to raise their daughters, Debbie took a position at Tufts University as the department administrator of the Career Center, from which she just retired. After many summers of vacationing on Cape Cod, Debbie and John bought a home in South Dennis, where they enjoyed spending time with family.

Debbie is survived by her beloved husband, John Coughlin, her two cherished daughters, Megan and Shannon, her mother, Lenore Desmet Voorhis Hayden of New Jersey, her two brothers, Craig (Andrea) Voorhis of New York City, Kevin (Marisa) Voorhis of Rhode Island, her aunt and uncle, Don and Linda Smith of New York, as well as many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, sister-in-laws, and brother-in-laws.

Debbie was predeceased by her father, J. Stuart Voorhis, her stepdad, William C. Hayden, her grandparents, Dr. Victor and Marie Desmet, J. Chester and Violet Voorhis, and her aunt Ruth Landes.

Debbie was known for her warmth, devotion to others, and dedication to her work. Debbie's legacy of love, service, and compassion will live on in the countless lives she touched. She loved exploring endless antique and flea markets, reading, and adding to her jungle of houseplants. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial visitation at the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut St., ARLINGTON on Thursday November 6th from 4-7 pm. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.