Deborah "Debby" (Follansbee) Hazzard-McDonald, 76, of Worcester, Mass., died December 15. She had special time with each of her sons and died with family by her bedside, after her battle with ALS. She was born in Manchester, Conn., on September 9, 1941.

Her husband, James E. McDonald; her three sons, Brent Hazzard and his wife Melinda of Sandy Hook, David Hazzard of Ellington, and Brian Hazzard and his wife Belkys of Acton, Mass.; her sister, Nancy von der Heyde of Harwich, Mass.; her grandchildren, Zachary Hazzard, Benjamin Hazzard, Nicole Hazzard, Kathleen Hazzard, Kaitlyn Hazzard, Lauren Hazzard, Elena Hazzard, and Keith Hazzard; a stepson, James McDonald of Grafton; a stepdaughter, Karen M. Raphaelson, and her sons, Justin and Spencer Raphaelson, all of Auburn, Mass.; and nieces and nephews survive her.

Mrs Hazzard-McDonald graduated from Manchester High School and spent many wonderful years raising her two oldest 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 husband of 25 years, James McDonald.

She worked at 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.

Mrs Hazzard-McDonald 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 she was coping with her illness.

Mrs Hazzard-McDonald cherished family gatherings and especially time with her grandchildren. She 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.

Calling hours will be conducted on Wednesday, December 20, from 4 to 7 pm, in Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.

Her funeral will be on Thursday, December 21, at 11 am, in the funeral home, followed by a procession to St John's Cemetery in Worcester for Committal Services.