Deborah Potter Waugh

Deborah Potter Waugh, age 91, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, at her home in Harwich Port, Massachusetts, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Known to all as Debby, she lived a long and full life defined by her devotion to family, her warmth and generosity, her love of community, and her genuine interest in the lives of those around her.
   Born on September 25, 1934, in Boston, Debby spent her early years in Auburndale, Massachusetts. She graduated from Newton High School in 1952 and went on to attend Lasell College. In 1954, she married her beloved husband, Bob Waugh. Together they made their home in Delmar, New York, where they raised their four children, before eventually retiring full-time to Cape Cod, a place Debby dearly loved.
Family was at the center of Debby’s life. Nothing made her happier than a house filled with children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members with whom she always made an effort to keep in touch. She had a remarkable way of making each person feel important. When family came to visit, she gave them her full attention, taking a genuine interest in their lives.  She delighted in spoiling her grandchildren with treats and little surprises, and she never missed a birthday. She had a knack for picking out perfect gifts that made her family feel known and loved. Some of her happiest evenings were spent over a drink at Allen Harbor Yacht Club on Friday nights, especially when she could show off her great-grandchildren to all of her friends.
She was an enthusiastic gardener whose yard was always filled with flowers and visited by a constant parade of treasured birds. Debby also cherished the many beloved pets who were part of her family over the years. Her grandchildren fondly remember the many “bunny walks” the family enjoyed after dinner on summer evenings.
Debby was the matriarch of a large and loving extended family. She was predeceased by her husband, Bob Waugh. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Cynthia Drake of Harwich Port, Massachusetts (Tom), Gretchen Meeks of South Chatham, Massachusetts (Joe), Andrew Waugh of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts (Alby), and Susan Jay of Groton, Connecticut (Eric), as well as twelve grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.
A private memorial service and burial are being planned.

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