Deborah Ellen Whitney, 54, of Derry, NH, passed away Wednesday, July 10 at Brigham and Women's Hospital after a four-month heroic battle with cancer. She had been a resident of Derry for the past seven years.
Deb was born on July 7, 1970 in Boston, MA. She grew up in Keene, NH where she had a wonderful childhood, met lifelong friends, and was Valedictorian of her high school class. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Film Studies (with Honors) from Wesleyan University in 1992.
Following graduation, Deb pursued a career in television programming and entertainment in Hollywood. She worked for Creative Artists Agency, then as a personal assistant to Barbara Streisand for two years. Later she worked for Public Interest Productions where she was involved in creating anti-discrimination public service announcements for MTV and engaged in projects in South Africa and Brazil. Deb worked for Fox Broadcasting for five years in television show pilot programming development. During her time in LA, she volunteered with AIDS Project LA and received a crystal heart award in recognition of her service.
In 2007, Deb moved back to New Hampshire to help her sister and 2-year-old nephew while her brother-in-law was deployed to Iraq. Soon after, Deb met the love of her life, her “teenage dream” and soul mate Art Patriquin. She made a radical career change from entertainment to pre-hospital care and emergency medicine. She worked as an EMT for Care Plus Ambulance Service for three and a half years. She graduated top of her class from New England EMS Institute and became a paramedic for American Medical Response where she worked for nearly 13 years. There she was a union rep, Field Training Officer and preceptor to paramedic students from NHTI and NEEMSI. She was a co-founder, board member and fundraiser of the New England First Responder Coalition and was certified in peer crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Most recently, she worked at Greater Lowell Emergency Medical Service as a P1 Paramedic. She was a well-known and well-respected first responder who always stood out because of her exceptional work ethic, her compassion and her signature red lipstick. Before her cancer diagnosis, she was a year away from receiving a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration at SNHU.
Deb has always been very health-conscious and active, earning a third-degree brown belt in karate as a teenager and training at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym while living in LA. She has been involved in Crossfit, kickboxing, yoga and many running clubs over the years, including the LA Leggers. She ran the LA marathon in 2003 and a half marathon in Derry just months before her cancer diagnosis. Beyond her dedication to fitness, Deb was an avid reader and an aficionado of classic films. She enjoyed attending comedy shows and concerts, walking her dogs in the park, spending time with loved ones and treating herself to a good lobster roll.
Deborah is survived by her loving fiancé Art Patriquin and his daughters Sarah Porter and Maria Bourbeau; her mother, Susan (Elliott) Whitney and father, the renowned artist Richard Whitney; her sister, Emily Romano; brother-in-law, Joshua Romano; nephews Leo and Max Johnson; fur babies Zoey and Molly; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
Following cremation, calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 with a time of sharing at 3:00 at Peabody Funeral Homes of Londonderry, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be mailed to the New England First Responder Coalition, 406 W Hollis St, Nashua, NH, 03060 or Venmo @NEFRC. Deb would want to encourage all of us to prioritize our physical and mental health.