Marie B. McCarthy

McCarthy, Marie B. (Leary), of Canton, MA, formerly of Westwood, MA died January 24th, 2019 at Edelweiss Village in West Roxbury, MA, surrounded by her devoted family. She was preceded in death by her late husband John L. McCarthy and by her late husband John D. McGrail.

Loving mother of Frederick J. McGrail and his wife Rosalind of West Roxbury, MA, John D. McGrail and his wife Elaine of Portland, OR, Richard S. McGrail and his wife Marie of Westwood, MA, Patricia A. McCarthy of Big Canoe, GA, and William P. McGrail of Canton, MA, as well as the late Margaret C. Lloyd and the late Colleen T. Goddard. Mother-in-law of John Lloyd and Warren Goddard and the late Patricia A. McGrail.

Devoted grandmother of 13 loving grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Sister of Jean O'Connell and her husband Philip. Marie was predeceased by seven brothers and sisters.

Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Marie McCarthy was born April 19, 1925 in Watertown, MA. An accomplished scholar and star athlete at Watertown High School, she went on to receive her degree in Chemistry from Emmanuel College in Boston, where she forged lasting friendships. She met and married John McGrail, a Foreign Service officer, and traveled the world with their growing family, spending time in Okinawa, Saipan, Tehran, and Benghazi. Always open to new experiences, she enjoyed learning about new cultures and meeting new people along the way. Following the untimely death of her husband, Marie and children made the move back to Boston. During the few years before marrying her second husband, John McCarthy, and blending his two children with her five, Marie worked in education in Wayland Public Schools. She and John were avid golfers and joined a community of friends and fellow enthusiasts at Norfolk Golf Club in Westwood, MA. Following John's death, Marie continued to be an active member of the club, serving as the women's club president. The fiery competitive spirit which was showcased at Watertown High School also led her to multiple women's club championships. In the offseason, she continued her competitive endeavors at the bridge table and bowling alley. As her grown children married and started families of their own, she was overjoyed to welcome 13 grandchildren into her life, which was a constant source of entertainment and pride for her. She never said "no" to an invitation to cheer on her grandkids in their respective activities and was so often present in their lives. She also welcomed five great-grandchildren into her life. In her final years, she received compassionate care from the dedicated staff at the Edelweiss Village Assisted Living facility. As a devoted Catholic, she relied on her faith in good and difficult times alike. It was only fitting that she passed peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loving family and listening to Catholic hymns.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St., WESTWOOD, MA on Wednesday January 30th from 4-7pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High St., Westwood, MA at 10am on Thursday, January 31st. Interment at New Westwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marie's memory to Edelweiss Village, part of Deutsches Altenheim, 2222 Center Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132.

Holden-Dunn-Lawler
www.hdlfuneralhome.net