Deborah Hadlock

Deborah Jean Hadlock, 68, died peacefully at home on Dec. 9 after a long battle with ALS. Deb spent the day surrounded by family and listening to her favorite soundtrack, “Out of Africa.”

Deborah was born Feb. 19, 1954.

She was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Gladys Wesson; three brothers, William Ambrose, Michael Ambrose and James Wesson; a sister, Dorma Gonser, a niece, Loriann Ambrose, and a nephew, Billy Ambrose.

Deb is survived by a sister, Susan Studeny and husband Richard Studeny; a brother, Richard Wesson II; niece Cheryl Pennini and nephews John Ambrose, Karl Gonser, Doug Gonser, Scott Chase, Richard Wesson III and Winston Mignott.

Deb also is survived by her immediate family: husband Russell Hadlock, daughter Heide Mabee and husband Patrick Mabee, daughter Wendy Sousa and husband Mario Sousa, son Glen Hadlock and wife Janet Hadlock, and daughter Teresa Gratton and husband Robert Gratton. Deb also leaves behind her loves, her grandchildren. Besides her children, Deb’s pride and joy were her grandchildren. Hannah Ryan, Kyle Darling, Ashley Hadlock, Maya Sousa, Lilliana Gratton, and Gray Hadlock all will miss her dearly!

Deb’s love and caretaking extended even beyond her family with her role as residential caretaker at the Michael Lisnow Respite Center. She spent so many years, up until 2020, working with individuals with developmental disabilities. To her, though, they were family. Especially the Marshall Avenue group. Deb formed a bond with them that cannot be duplicated.

Family and friends fondly remember Deb for so many great qualities — among them, her cooking!! Deb’s chocolate cake was a constant request by many.

In her final year of life, as the disease claimed her muscles, she refused to let it claim her mind or her sense of humor. Deb found comfort in spending time with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Some stopped by every week to see her. So many sent gifts, cards, dinners, treats — and all with so much love. Deb found such comfort and joy in each.

As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Deb found great comfort in reflecting on her beliefs as well as attending zoom meetings along with her local congregation.

Deb’s life will be honored by a memorial Zoom and gathering in January. The date is still to be announced.

If you wish to pay tribute to Deborah’s life, donations can be made to her home away from home, the Michael Lisnow Respite Center, 112 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

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