WAND and WiLL mourn the passing of State Rep. Deborah Blumer (MA)

Deborah D. Blumer, 64, Framingham state representative, died October 13, 2006 in Massachusetts. She was a lifelong activist who took great pride in advocating for women, children, peace, and social justice. WAND and WiLL will miss her spirit, generosity, and courage. Below is the obituary as printed in the Boston Globe.

By John C. Drake, Globe Staff | October 14, 2006

State Representative Deborah D. Blumer, a Framingham Democrat, died yesterday morning after suffering an apparent heart attack while driving in Framingham, authorities said.

Mrs. Blumer's 2004 Acura ran off Dudley Road near Loring Arena around 10:15 a.m. and struck a guardrail, police said. A Framingham police officer who was working a detail was the first to arrive. A second officer administered CPR and used a portable defibrillator, said Lieutenant Paul Shastany, a police spokesman.

Mrs. Blumer was transported to Framingham Union Hospital, part of MetroWest Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 11:35 a.m., having never regained consciousness, said hospital spokeswoman Beth Donnelly.

Fellow lawmakers said that Mrs. Blumer worked hard on healthcare legislation, public education funding, and social services during her three terms in the House.

``Debbie was probably the hardest-working member of the House," said Representative David Linsky, Democrat of Natick, who campaigned with Blumer Thursday. He said they held signs supporting Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deval Patrick outside Ken's Steak House in Framingham, where Republican nominee Kerry Healey was holding a campaign event.

``There was no spin with Debbie Blumer," Linsky said. ``She told it like she saw it, and she had a lot of guts."

US Representative Edward Markey, whose congressional district includes Framingham, said: ``She combined the energy of a teenager and the wisdom of a grandmother when working on issues important to her district and her constituents, and her dedication to decency, social justice, and sound public policy will be greatly missed. The Town of Framingham has lost a great champion."

Mrs. Blumer's political involvement began a quarter-century ago with local schools as a member of the Parent Teacher Organization.

On Beacon Hill, Mrs. Blumer was one of the lead sponsors of new health insurance legislation. She also supported failed efforts to provide in-state tuition for illegal immigrants and to require soccer players to wear helmets. Friends said Mrs. Blumer also worked to make Framingham welcoming for a growing Brazilian immigrant population in the town.

``She did what she thought was right, and she was very passionate about that," said her husband, Irwin Blumer, an education professor at Boston College. ``It's a tragedy and we're all shocked. On the other hand, she led a great life, she helped lots of people, and that's what she wanted to do."

``Debbie was very instrumental in bringing the whole community together,"
said Katie E. Murphy, president of the Framingham League of Women Voters.
``She took a lot of grief for it, but she always stood up for principles, understanding that we work together as a community."

Linsky and others said Blumer, 64, appeared to be in good health.

``Debbie was very buoyant and in high spirits," said longtime friend Jerry Desilets, who attended a community meeting with Mrs. Blumer yesterday morning. ``She was very excited about the upcoming elections. Debbie was totally dedicated to her causes and her candidates."

Mrs. Blumer, a native of Chelsea, was running unopposed for a fourth term.
Secretary of State William F. Galvin said in a statement that Mrs. Blumer's name would remain on the Nov. 7 ballot and that some absentee ballots have already been mailed. Galvin's spokesman, Brian McNiff, said whoever received the most write-in ballots on Election Day would win the seat.

Republicans and Democrats alike hailed Mrs. Blumer as a conscientious lawmaker.

Healey called Mrs. Blumer's passing a ``terrible loss," saying that ``Framingham has lost a loyal public servant and strong voice on Beacon Hill."

``Deb was one of the best friends we had on this campaign, often working all day to accomplish whatever tasks needed to be done," Patrick said in a statement. ``She was an integral part of building our grassroots organization in the Framingham area and inspired others to do the same."

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Blumer leaves two daughters, Lynne Beattie of Framingham and Marjorie Lemmon of Cromwell, Conn.; one son, Adam Blumer, of Framingham; and four grandchildren.