Deborah Stafford Gilchrist, 83, of Wellesley, Massachusetts died on Nov. 17, 2020 at Newton Wellesley Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Boston on March 5, 1937 the daughter of the late Alfred H. Stafford and Frances Sutton Stafford.

Deborah is survived by her husband of 60 years, Barrett Lewis Gilchrist of Wellesley, Massachusetts and Bayville, Maine. Mother of Barrett Warren Gilchrist and his wife Jennifer K. Gilchrist of Weston, Massachusetts and Pamela Gilchrist Munnell and her husband Hamilton H. Munnell of Concord, New Hampshire. She was the sister of David Carter Stafford and his wife Charlotte D. Stafford of Sudbury, Massachusetts. Grandmother of Stephanie G. Maloney and her husband Michael J. Maloney of South Boston, Massachusetts and their son, Rory; Jeffrey M. Gilchrist of Waltham, Massachusetts; Brittany H. Munnell of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Christopher H. Munnell of Concord, New Hampshire.

Deborah attended Newton High School, MA before receiving her associate’s degree from Colby Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire. She was an active member of the Newton Centre Garden Club for many years and was happiest when working in her gardens. She also loved designing and decorating her homes but her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She will be fondly remembered and loved by all who knew her.

Due to the current health concerns, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, her family kindly requests that donations in her memory be sent to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.

Arrangements entrusted to the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland, MA. For condolences please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com