Magnolia – Debra Ann Heffernan PhD., 68, beloved daughter of Marie Jean (LaPorte) Heffernan of Danvers and the late James C. Heffernan, died Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at home following a long illness. Born in Lynn, she grew up in Beverly and graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School. Deb continued her education attending the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, on a National Merit Scholarship where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree. Advancing her education Deb earned her Doctorate in… Read More » Psychology from Harvard University. Deb dedicated more than thirty years of her life in support and care of the elderly. She had been employed in several leadership roles in senior living, health care and rehabilitative communities throughout Boston, the North Shore and beyond. A resident of Magnolia for more than six years, Deb volunteered her time in support of local homeless shelters. She was a loving daughter, sister, sister in law, aunt, great aunt, cousin and lifelong friend who will be missed by all who knew her. She had many passions; photography, art, travel and writing. She was an avid reader her entire life. She shared many hobbies with her friends and family over the years such as camping, cooking, scuba diving, swimming, hiking, movies and travel. Deb was a supportive mentor and friend. She was a lifelong Boston Sports fan and followed the Celtics, Patriots and especially her Boston Red Sox. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her brother James C. Heffernan II. and his wife, Christine of North Reading, two sisters, Sally Mugherini and her husband, Neal of Newbury, Barbara Kiesinger and her husband, Lonnie of Fort Myers, FL and her lifelong best friend Mary Hoar and her husband Robert Scriven. She is predeceased by her brother Thomas Heffernan. She leaves behind her beloved nieces Sarah (Heffernan) McPartland and her husband Kenneth, Jody Heffernan, Andrea Mugherini, Deborah Mugherini and 2 nephews, James C Heffernan III and Matthew Mugherini and his wife Amy and many many friends and loved ones. Visiting hours will be held at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, Sunday, August 26, 2018 from 2 to 4 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Contributions may be made in her memory to Care Dimensions (
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Debra Ann Heffernan 2018.
Death notice for the town of: Beverly, state: Massachusetts