Doreen A. Deshler

Doreen A. Deshler, 68, a beloved longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Lowell General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted partner of Melvin Brady, with whom she shared 44 years of love and companionship.
Born on January 8, 1957, in Brighton, Doreen was the daughter of the late Thomas and Margaret (Thompson) Deshler.
Doreen grew up in Billerica, MA, and was a proud supporter of the town throughout her life. She graduated from Billerica High School, and later, at the age of 53, she returned to college at Middlesex Community College. There, she became actively involved in several student organizations and earned her associate's degree in psychology. Doreen continued her education at Fitchburg State College, where she earned her bachelor's degree.
Over the years, she held a variety of jobs but was especially proud of her work with Cortica, where she made a meaningful impact working with children with autism.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Doreen was a passionate political advocate in Chelmsford. She served as the Chairperson of the Chelmsford Republican Committee and as a Massachusetts GOP State Committeewoman. She was also a dedicated supporter of President Donald Trump.
Doreen is survived by her loving partner, Melvin, and her children, Alan and Cindy Brady of Okeechobee, FL, Kimberly Jolicoeur and her husband Kevin of Windham, NH, Christine Brady and her husband Eric Knapp of Middleton, NH, Daryl Deshler and his wife Kristen Burton of Billerica, MA, Kelly Brady of Lowell, MA, Melinda Brady of Dover, NH, and Shawn Brady and his wife Michelle of Westford, MA. She is also survived by her sister, Darlene Lafferty of Townsend, MA; and her grandchildren, Wayne Brady, Kyle Jolicoeur, Ashley Russell, Austin Smith, Kayla Jolicoeur, Jakob Deshler, Samson Brady, Kurtis Jolicoeur, Malia Melendez, Andrew Sprague, Cameron Sylvester, Destiny McKinnon, Payton Brady, Arielle Gonzalez, and Jordyn Brady. She is further survived by nieces Rachael Donahue and Victoria Theall.
Doreen was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Margaret Deshler, and her younger sister, Diane Deshler.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to assist her family via her GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/4ff338dd.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford, MA. Funeral services and interment will be private.