Bank supervisor had many interests
FRAMINGHAM – Ellen F. (Lewis) McGrath, 87, of Framingham and formerly of Pepperell, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 25.
Ellen was born in Cambridge on July 12, 1927, one of two daughters of the late Richard N. and Ellen (Bradley) Lewis. She was raised in Somerville, where she graduated from St. Joseph High School. In 1948, she married John J. McGrath Jr. at St. Joseph Church and they raised a family of six children in Somerville.
Ellen was a devout parishioner at St. Ann in Somerville, Sacred Heart in Groton, and later at St. Bridget in Framingham.
She worked for nearly 30 years as a banking supervisor for First National Bank of Boston in Dorchester.
Ellen was an adventurous woman who never hesitated trying something new, often finding a new hobby. She had lots of interests and kept herself busy socially with many activities. She was interested in ceramics, bowling, painting, walking, traveling, needlepoint and rug hooking. Through her travels she made many lasting friendships and stayed forever loyal to her many friends.
Ellen was devoted to her faith and her family. After moving from Somerville, she found a new home in Pepperell that was host to parties, cookouts and holidays for the McGrath family. The pool in the backyard was a favorite spot and served as the center of many parties for her grandchildren. Above all else, Ellen was a strong, faith filled woman who loved being surrounded by her family.
Ellen was the beloved wife of the late John J. McGrath Jr., with whom she shared 42 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of E. Elyzabeth Sheehan and her husband Richard Bennett of Gloucester, Richard M. McGrath and his wife Ans of Marlboro, James P. McGrath and his wife Maria of Saugus, Brian E. McGrath, Christopher A. McGrath and his wife Amy of Revere, the late John J. McGrath III and his late wife Patricia and mother-in-law of the late Kevin R. Sheehan. She was the dear sister of the late Mary Jane Lewis. She was the cherished grandmother of John J. McGrath IV of Ashland, Richard M. McGrath Jr. and his wife Denise of Middleboro, Erin O’Connor and her husband William of Ashland, Sean McGrath and his wife Michelle of Milbury, James P. McGrath Jr. and his wife Erin of Saugus, Teresa McGrath of Gloucester, John J. McGrath of Saugus, Alyssa McGrath of Revere and Ashley McGrath of Revere. She was the loving great-grandmother of Colin, Chad and Kaya.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Ellen’s life for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, Jan. 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for her funeral Mass celebrated at 9 a.m.
Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
