Marie J. McGrain

WEST BOYLSTON-Marie J. (Roy) McGrain, 92, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center in Worcester.

Marie leaves her 5 children, Stephen McGrain of Worcester, MaryEllen Para of Shrewsbury, Michael McGrain and his wife Grace of Campbell, CA, Christine McGrain and her husband Bill Kelly of Grafton, and Marie O’Brien and her husband Kevin of Boylston.  She also leaves 10 grandchildren, Todd McGrain, Sean Cronin, Rachel King, Kaitlin Hilts, Kyle McGrain, Erin Molnar, Lindsey Boss, Hillary Fogle, and Conor and Julia O’Brien. She was Great-Grammy to 12 cherished great-grandchildren, Athena, Ramona, McKenna, Mia, Mathaios, Gwendolyn, Josephine, Peyton, Jordan, Brock, Hunter, and Keller. Marie leaves her sister Katherine Lindley, brother-in-law Tom McGrain, and his wife Carol, all of Worcester. Marie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gerald E. McGrain, in March of 2022 after 67 years of marriage, and her beloved granddaughter Meghan Milonopoulos, in July 2023. She also was predeceased by her 3 brothers, Ronald, Joseph, and Richard Roy. She leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Marie was born in Worcester on December 26, 1930 to Ronald and Julia (Donahue) Roy.  She was a graduate of North High School, class of ‘49 and Salter Secretarial School.  She worked as a legal secretary until the birth of her first child in 1955. After her 5^th child entered school 15 years later, she became a school secretary, first at Forest Grove Jr. High, and then as principal’s clerk at Burncoat Jr. High for 18 years. She ran the school with her organizational skills and strong work ethic. 

Marie was a longtime resident of West Boylston, where 29 Valley Forge Circle became the gathering place for neighborhood kids.  Family traditions abounded; Sunday dinners, holiday and birthday celebrations were important and everyone always felt welcome.  Marie was a Mom, nurturer, organizer, peacekeeper, and friend to all.

After retirement, Marie and Jerry moved to Harwich, MA, where they continued to welcome family members and friends to enjoy the Cape.   Marie enjoyed shopping at Christmas Tree Shoppe, researching family genealogy, reading, gardening, bird watching, and going to the beach with her grandchildren. She belonged to the Holy Trinity Women’s Guild, the Juliettes, and the Garden Club of Harwich. 

Jerry and Marie travelled extensively over the years enjoying many cruises and tours of Europe and the Islands. They also enjoyed winters in Naples, FL for many years until they were unable to travel any longer.  A cruise to the Bahamas, St. Thomas, and Tortola with her 3 daughters (a gift from Jerry), completed her travel adventures at age 86. 

In her final years, Marie lived at Notre Dame Assisted Living and then Notre Dame Long-Term Care with Jerry until his passing in March 2022.  Even with her failing health affecting her ability to actively participate in outings, in her final years at Notre Dame she was a favorite resident. She was always smiling, kind, and pleasant to everyone.  Visits from her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought her great joy.  Rest in Peace Mom.  Give Dad and Meghan big hugs from us.  OXOX

Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023 at Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 1 West Boylston St., West Boylston, MA from 4-7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Notre Dame Chapel 555 Plantation St., Worcester at 10:30a.m. on Tuesday, Nov.14, 2023.  Burial will be private. 

Donations to honor Marie’s memory and support something that was important to her can be made to the Garden Club of Harwich and mailed to PO Box 301, Harwich Port, MA  02646 or the Milonopoulos’ Children’s Education Fund at  https://gofund.me/2e4612c5