WILMINGTON, MA — Mary A. McGrain (Barry), age 78, of Tewksbury, passed away on April 5, 2020, at Advinia Care in Wilmington.
Mary was born in Cambridge, MA on February 7, 1942; she was the cherished daughter of the late John M. and Grace P. (O’Donnell) Barry. Mary was raised and educated in Cambridge, MA; she was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School. Mary went on to further her education by attending Chandlers Secretarial School and earning her degree in medical assisting.
Mary was set up on a date with Robert McGrain; the two had a long-distance relationship, became engaged and married at St. Agnes Church on April 22, 1972. The couple settled Maryland in 1972 where they raised their three children; John, Robert and Maureen. The family lived in Maryland until 1997 when, after all her children were out of high school, moved back to Massachusetts to be closer to her brothers and sisters.
Family was everything to Mary; she was very dedicated to raising her children, following their sports and supporting their interests. She spent endless days watching soccer, baseball, and wrestling. When Mary became “Nana” to Katie, Emily, Kelly, Makayla and Ethan, her world was even brighter; she enjoyed spending time with each of them and spoiling them whenever she could.
Mary loved spending summers at the Barry family summer home in Green Harbor with her family and friends. She was also an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed watching them play.
Mary was a hard worker; for many years she was a medical assistant for Pediatricians Inc. where she treated her co-workers and patients like family. Mary was also a crossing guard for Running Brook Elementary School and secretary for a computer company; she was always busy doing something.
Mary will be fondly remembered for her unconditional love and devotion to her family and friends; she will be forever in their hearts.
Mary was the beloved wife of the late Robert McGrain, devoted mother of John McGrain of Nashua, NH, Robert McGrain & his wife Barbara Ann of Forest Hills, MD and Maureen Melanson & her husband Peter of Tewksbury. Loving “Nana” of Katie, Emily, Kelly, Makayla and Ethan. Dear sister of John Barry & his wife Judith of Green Harbor, Thomas Barry & his wife Linda of Westford, Anna Kilfoyle & her husband Kenneth of Burlington, the late Katherine Barry and Grace Barry. Mary is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews as well as many grand-nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02454 or online through act.alz.org.
Due to the current situation of the Corona virus and for the safety of everyone, the McGrain family has chosen to have a private service at this time. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date, please follow our website for updated information.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Nichols Funeral Home, Wilmington, MA.
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