Deborah S. Hazzard-McDonald

  Deborah “Debby” (Follansbee) Hazzard-McDonald, 76, of Worcester, MA died on Friday, December 15, 2017.  She had special time with each of her sons and passed away with family by her bedside after her battle with ALS.  She was born in Manchester, CT on September 9, 1941.  She graduated from Manchester High School and spent many wonderful years raising her children in Manchester.  There were many camping adventurers and family gatherings shared by the Hazzard and Follansbee families.  In 1984, she moved to central Massachusetts and then met her current husband of 25 years, James McDonald.   She worked a variety of jobs throughout her life.  Her favorites were those in academia as a secretary at both Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Manchester Community College.  Debby always had a warm smile, open heart, and kind words for all who she met.  As a result, she had many close friends, including the ladies from the book club and water aerobics.  Her family is very grateful for all the support and visits these friends made while Debby was coping with her illness. She cherished family gatherings and especially time with her grandchildren.  Mom, grandma, instilled the passion for learning and reading with her family.  She wished for her family members to do their best in all their chosen endeavors.    She is survived by her husband, James E. McDonald; her sister, Nancy von der Heyde of Harwich, MA; three sons, Brent Hazzard and his wife Melinda of Sandy Hook, CT, David Hazzard of Ellington, CT, and Brian Hazzard and his wife Belkys of Acton, MA; grandchildren Zachary Hazzard, Benjamin Hazzard, Nicole Hazzard, Kathleen Hazzard, Kaitlyn Hazzard, Lauren Hazzard, Elena Hazzard and Keith Hazzard; a step-son, James McDonald of Grafton; a step-daughter, Karen M. Raphaelson and her sons, Justin and Spencer Raphaelson, all of Auburn.  She was also blessed with nieces and nephews: Michael-Christian, Julie, Hayward and Sarah. Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, December 20, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  Her Funeral will be on Thursday, December 21, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a procession to Saint John’s Cemetery in Worcester for Committal Services.