Deborah Guptill

MARBLEHEAD-Deborah Guptill, age 82, of Marblehead,MA, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025 at St. Mary’s Health Center in Worcester, MA. after a period of declining health. She was born on a cold winter day on January 11, 1943 in Worcester, MA to the late Dr. and Mrs. Clifford Guptill (Thelma). She was the feisty middle sister between older Gail and younger sister Carol. She was fortunate to be surrounded with laughter and love. Deborah who was referred to as ‘‘Debbie” was a true scholar who never stopped learning. She graduated from Bancoft School in Worcester, Wells College(undergraduate), and Boston University (graduate school, MSW). Debbie never married but poured all her love into her family and in her social work to the children for The Massachusetts Department of The Protection of Children and as an advocate for The Essex Family Court of Massachusetts. Debbie truly believed in her work and maintained countless relationships with the families that she served.

Debbie loved being at the ocean, football, chocolate, and macaroni and cheese. She loved her pets “Smoky”, “Lulu” and “Jake” who could always be right next to her on the couch. Her summers spent at Wells Beach with her siblings, parents, aunts/uncles, cousins, nieces/nephews was the highlight of her year. Her home was filled with memories of the ocean and pictures of her family. Family get-togethers and milestones were never missed. Debbie leaves behind lifelong friends, Priscilla Schneider and Bill Letourneau who managed to make time to see her always.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Thema Guptill (Davis) and her much loved younger sister Carol Bafaro.

She is survived by her heartbroken sister Gail Carlson and her husband Roger Carlson of Worcester, MA. She leaves behind five nieces and nephews, Christine Pappas (Thomas), Dr. Gary Carlson (Bette), Laura Marchand (Greg), Frank Bafaro (Catherine), and Amanda Speed (Ben). Additionally she leaves ten great nieces and nephews, Nick, Zachary, and Alex "Nicole" Pappas, Kara and Mathew Carlson, Jackson, Lucia, and Brooke Speed, and Anthony and Luca Bafaro.

Debbie lived in Marblehead until January 2024 when she began to struggle with being on her own. Her niece Christine brought her back home to Worcester where she was fortunate to have her family near in her last year and a half. Debbie looked at this period as a chance to rest, share memories, and watch her favorite television shows. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the staff at St. Mary’s Health Care Center for their unending compassionate care for Debbie. She took a special interest in all who sat down to talk to her in her final months. Debbe’s passing leaves a huge hole in our family tree and we will forever be thankful for the love she showed to so many.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM on April 10, 2025 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Berwick Maine where Debbie will be laid to rest beside her parents and countless relatives. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.