Margaret A. Denby

Margaret A. (Metcalf) Denby, 91, died peacefully on October 4, 2025, at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester. She was born on August 18, 1934 in Springfield to the late William C. and Margaret (Eberlein) Metcalf, Sr. She grew up in Springfield and was a longtime Wilbraham resident. Margaret was dedicated to the nursing profession. She graduated from Springfield Hospital as a Registered Nurse. She continued her education at American International College and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She furthered her education at Boston University where she earned a Master of Science in Nursing Administration. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society and the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing at AIC and BU, respectively. Having a love for learning, Margaret completed a master’s degree program at the University of Massachusetts Worcester Graduate School of Nursing and became an Advanced Practice nurse. She worked many places and in many capacities including Baystate Medical Center, Wilbraham & Monson Academy, and the Hampden County House of Corrections. She completed her career as a Nurse Practitioner at the Hampden County House of Corrections. Her commitment to the field of nursing was not just a career but a calling- one for which she was grateful, and which she fulfilled with compassion, skill, and grace.

Margaret lived a long and beautiful life marked by kindness, generosity, and an inherent empathy for those around her. She gave generously of her time, her resources and her heart, always thinking of others before herself.

To her family and friends, Margaret was a source of comfort and encouragement. She shared in their joys as if they were her own and offered gentle strength during times of hardship. Her laughter, wisdom and warmth will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Margaret’s love of animals and nature was a defining part of her life. She cared deeply for every living creature and shared her home with many beloved rescued cats over the years.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents, her brother William C. Metcalf Jr., her sister Mary Elizabeth Metcalf and lifetime companion John R. Denby. She will be dearly missed by her children: Steven Denby and his wife Kathy of Windsor, CT, Margaret Hayes and her husband Dan of Paxton, MA, many nieces and nephews, along with countless friends whose lives she touched.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the hospice caregivers and the entire staff of the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester for their compassionate and loving care.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 10am to 12pm at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA followed by a funeral service at 12Noon. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery, Wilbraham. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Margaret’s name to the Thomas J O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center, 627 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104, or tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com.