Douglas H. Woodburn, 86, of Brewster, Massachusetts, died peacefully at home, in the arms of his wife and surrounded by family, on January 12, after a long illness.

Born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in 1929, he was the son of the late Chester and Agnes Woodburn and the eldest of five siblings. He grew up in Boston and graduated from English High School. He served 5 years in the United States Army, then continued his studies, graduating from Boston University in 1957. He later received a Master’s Degree from Worcester State College. He was a teacher in the Hopedale and Medfield school systems for 27 years. He was also active in the Massachusetts Teachers’ Association, the American Legion, the Hopedale Unitarian Church, as well as an adult leader for the Boy Scouts. He devoted much of his free time celebrating his Celtic heritage through many organizations, most notably: The Irish Round Tower Club, The Saint Andrew’s Society, The Highland Light Society, The Sons of Erin and The Irish-American Club of Cape Cod.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Catherine (O’Brien) Woodburn along with their four daughters, Lorraine of Redmond, Washington, Paula of Westfield, Massachusetts, Karen of Key West, Florida, and Jodi of Hopedale, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his daughter, Brenda of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He is remembered by his sister, Marilyn DeLozier of Whitefield, New Hampshire, as well as 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews

. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a service on Saturday, January 16 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Cape Church on Stony Brook Road in Brewster. He will be buried privately at The Massachusetts National Cemetery alongside his brother Jack

. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Lower Cape Outreach Council in Orleans, MA.

Rest in peace Mr. Woodburn. Your students at Dale Street School all remember something funny or special from your classes.

So sorry to hear of Doug's passing. Have many fond memories of working with him in Medfield. Thoughts and prayers, Lauren Harrington

My Uncle Doug, you were a one of a kind and a pleasure to know. I'm so happy I got to speak with you in November when you were feeliing well enough to speak to me. Mom enjoyed sending you all the Ray Guy books she could gather up for you as she knew how much you enjoyd his stories about Newfoundland. Now you and my father are listening to Ray Guy telling you both his stories personally. We love you and you will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Catherine and all the family love you all. Love Bernie Winnie & family