WESTFIELD – Deborah (Johnson) Barton, 72, (1950 – 2023) of Westfield, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2023, at the Governor’s Center in Westfield, where she had been receiving excellent care since 2018. Deborah was born on July 5, 1950, to the late Frederick T. Johnson and Janet C. Johnson (Campbell), loving parents who raised eight children in their home on West School Street in Westfield. Deborah worked at U.S. Line Company before marrying David Moquin and raising beloved daughters Tanya Grater (John), Jennifer Collett, and Sherri Moquin with him. Deborah’s second marriage, to Robert Barton, graced her life with cherished sons Edward Barton and Richard Barton.
Deborah is also survived by grandchildren Ashley, Sierra, Andrew, Nathan, David, and McKenzie. Deborah is remembered with love by all her siblings: James Johnson (Bernadette), George Johnson, Theodore Johnson (Lou Ann), Janet Janke (George), Frederick Johnson, Mary Patt (Bruce), Kathryn Williams (Rohn); and by many nieces and nephews in the Westfield area and across the country.
The family would particularly like to thank Deborah’s steadfast friend, Katie White, for her years of devotion. The family would also like to express much gratitude to New England Hospice and their compassionate team of caregivers.
Burial will be private, at the discretion of the family. An open Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 25th, at 11:30 a.m. at the UCC Second Congregational Church, 487 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA 01085.
Donations in Deborah’s memory may be made to UCC Second Congregational Church, Westfield, Massachusetts (secondchurchwestfield.org).
