Smatters

Deborah Blaylock Atwood, 92, of Topsfield, MA, formerly of Nashua, NH, died peacefully in her beloved home of 60 years.  Her daughters, The Three B’s, Biscuit, Bear and Beany, dear friends, and her wonderful caregivers assisted her in her last days.  

Deb was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Frederick Fairfield Atwood. They met as students at The University of New Hampshire. Their romance followed them across the country as Fred established his career at Boeing and Deb taught Elementary School. Together they were a formidable team, moving back and forth across the country many times in their big, red, stake-body truck with three small children.  They eventually purchased the former Thayer Estate home in Topsfield. Fred and Deb moved the house and barn across Rt. 1 in 1969, creating an incredible family home. 

Fred and Deb’s daughters enjoyed a rural, working farm upbringing. They raised Old English Sheepdogs, and the property was fondly known as Sheepdog Hill. For sixty years her home was the center of holidays and gatherings for her extended family and friends. Deb’s shout, “the door is open, come on in!” will ring in everyone’s ears forever.

Deb and Fred were committed to the development of non-profit organizations in Topsfield and surrounding towns.  For many years Deb taught elementary school students in Danvers. She loved her students at Great Oak School and Highlands. Thirty years later many of her students still arrived for a cup of coffee and good conversation at her kitchen table. Her Facebook contact with them was a joy in her life, and a remarkable reflection of her adaptability.

She held a deep love for Camp Huckins, where she set a path that would carry through four generations of women in her family- passing down a belief in kindness, confidence, leadership, and the power of women supporting one another.

Her other love was for dragons. Her two-story fire breathing dragon Rupert guarded Sheepdog Hill. She told amazing, enchanting dragon stories to her family and students. 

Deb’s early life was remarkable.  She was born into a political family in Nashua, NH during historic times, punctuated by the Great Depression and World War II. Her father, Blaylock Atherton, was an interim Governor for the state of New Hampshire.  Her mother, Katherine, was an accomplished pianist who ran Blaylock’s office and oversaw the complex aspects of their high-profile life. She is predeceased by her sisters Nancy Atherton Buell (late Irving) and Janet Atherton Snow (late Albert).  

Deborah is survived by her three children and their spouses: Dr. Lesley Ann Atwood M.D. (Richard Smith Ph.D.), Bear Hailey Atwood, Esq, (Sheila Atwood Hailey), and Dr. Meryl Chandler Atwood DMD (Christopher Wayne Pratt).

Grandchildren: Dr. Kelsey Chandler Leonardsmith M.D. (Elizabeth Leonardsmith), Alexander Eugene Ives (Courtney Gayle Ives), Corwin Atwood-Stone Ph.D. (Michaela Caventer), Joshua Moore (Melody Moore), Timothy Moore (Alison Moore), Hannah Chandler Pratt, Esq. (Robert Gurry), Samuel Forest Pratt (Melissa Lynn Frederick).

Great Grandchildren: Graylyn, North, and Marigold Leonardsmith, Apollo and Nyota Ives, Noah and Ethan Moore, Kinley and Madison Galloway, Benjamin Frederick Pratt. Deb will be remembered by her many nieces, nephews and friends.

Until her final moments she would remark, “I’m a lucky old lady!” 

Our great Dragon Matriarch has ceased her fearless roar.

Memorial gifts can be made to:  Camp Nellie Huckins, IMO Deborah Atwood, 17 Camp Huckins Rd, Freedom NH 03836 or Hospice / Care Dimensions, IMO Deborah Atwood, Ste. B-102, 75 Sylvan St. Danvers MA 01923. Alternatively consider paying a kindness forward as Deborah would have done!

A June 19, 2026, 4-7pm gathering in her memory is planned on Sheepdog Hill, Topsfield MA.