Debra Marie "Debbie" Goempel, 67, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Lowell General Hospital – Saints Campus, after a period of cognitive decline with symptoms of dementia. She was the beloved wife of John Joseph Goempel, with whom she shared 36 years of marriage.
Born in Medford on October 13, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Henry Folger and the late Dorothea (Beck) Folger. Debra was raised in Medford and graduated from Medford High School. She went on to earn her LPN from the Shepherd Gill School of Nursing and later received her associate degree in nursing from North Shore Community College.
Debbie began her career as an LPN at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and continued her professional journey by becoming a Registered Nurse. She later worked as a nurse case manager for UniCare, which became WellPoint and eventually Elevance Health. Debra was licensed in several states and provided case management services across the country, including for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She dedicated over 20 years to this work, always striving to advocate for patients with compassion and integrity.
Her faith was a central part of her life. She was a devoted member of Grace Chapel, where she found great joy in worship and fellowship. She especially valued her time serving on the prayer team, offering strength and support to others through her deep spirituality.
Debbie had a gift for friendship and a love for life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed going out to dinner, shopping, watching movies, especially The Sound of Music and To Sir, with Love, and following her favorite team, the New England Patriots. She was also a fan of HGTV and the Food Network, and loved to socialize with family and friends.
In addition to her husband, John Joseph Goempel, she is survived by her two sons, John Andrew Goempel and his wife Elisabeth of Londonderry, NH, and Garrett Thomas Goempel of Tewksbury; her brother, David Folger and his wife Ginny of Georgia; and many dear friends who brought joy and support throughout her life, including Kathy Francois, Kathy Foti, Debbie Polcari, Lucy Delponte, Beverly Musto, Peg Smith, Donna Leone, Karen Sturniolo, and Pat Overcash.
Her calling hours will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 5pm until 8pm at the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876.
On Saturday, June 21, 2025 please gather at the funeral home between 12 noon and 1pm, her funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 1pm followed by procession to the Tewksbury Cemetery.