OBITUARY: Dorothy M. (Wedge) McGrath, 92

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Dorothy M. McGrath (Wedge), fondly known as “Dot” or “Doda”, age 92, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away on February 22, 2025, at the Winchester Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Dot was born in Malden, MA, on October 23, 1932; she was the dear daughter of the late George and Lillian (Mayo) Wedge. Dot was part of a large and loving family; she was raised and educated in Somerville, MA, and a graduate of Somerville High School.

Dot married “her sweetheart” Edward McGrath on October 25, 1953, in Somerville; the couple shared over sixty years of marriage and raised a beautiful family before Ed’s passing in October of 2013. Dot and Ed were truly a wonderful couple that did everything together and treasured the time they spent with family and friends throughout the years.

Dot and Ed moved to Wilmington in 1958 where they were welcomed by great neighbors and made some wonderful new friends who were considered extended family. Dot was a wonderful homemaker and hostess; her door was always open, and she was always willing to help anyone in need. Dot loved to cook and bake; she looked forward to preparing and hosting family cookouts and countless holidays where everyone was welcome. Dot also had a green thumb and enjoyed creating beautiful gardens around her yard.

Dot’s family was her priority, and she showered them with unconditional love and devotion. Dot loved being a mom to Cheryl and Brian; whom she was a wonderful mentor, their best friend, and their biggest cheerleader no matter what they were involved in. Dot looked forward to becoming a “Nana” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she adored them and spoiled them every chance she got. Dot enjoyed spending summers with her husband, children, and in-laws on Cape Cod; she loved swimming with the kids, sitting on the beach, and taking in the sun.

Dot was employed as a waitress for many years at Rocco’s Restaurant in Wilmington; her endearing personality, work ethic, and great people skills made her a favorite to her customers, co-workers, and bosses.

Dot was always willing to give of her time and talents as she helped with countless fund raisers at the Knights of Columbus with her husband Ed. Dot and Ed had many friends at the Knights and enjoyed their family outings with “the gang”. In their early years, Dot and Ed looked forward to Saturday night card games and socializing with their siblings, in-laws, and friends; whist was always a favorite game. They also loved to square dance with their friends and were members of the Wilmington Skirts and Flirts Club for many years.

In her spare time, Dot, would often be found walking all over town with her sister Barbie; they were like “two peas in a pod”. Dot also enjoyed time spent at the Wilmington Senior Center and was often involved in their many activities and trips; she especially loved the exercise classes at the center. Dot was an avid reader and could often be found at the Wilmington Memorial Library; she was very knowledgeable and well read, which gave her the upper hand with the answers as she faithfully watched wheel of fortune or jeopardy.

She loved her following her Boston sports teams, especially the New England Patriots and she could be found yelling advice to Tom Brady through the television. Dot loved to travel with her family, friends, and most of all her sisters; they would head to Florida or Arizona for Red Sox practice games and spring training, or clear across the country to California. They make it abroad several times, some of their favorite trips were to Italy not to mention their many cruises all over the world. Dot enjoyed experiencing new places and meeting new people; she always had a great time no matter where she travelled.

Dot was a woman of great faith; a true believer in God and the power of prayer. Dot was a faithful parishioner of St. Thomas of Villanova Church; she looked forward to attending Mass even attending the week before her passing. Dot’s faith helped her through many of life’s challenges and she often prayed for others who needed help as well.

Dot will be fondly remembered as a beautiful lady inside and out; had a heart of gold, and was very kind towards everyone she met. Dot will forever be loved and missed by all who knew her.

Dot was the beloved wife of the late Edward J. McGrath, devoted mother of Cheryl Fahey and her husband Jack and Brian McGrath and his wife Carole all of Wilmington, loving “Nana” of Shannon Fahey Merrifield and her husband Justin of North Andover, Ryan Fahey of Wilmington, Andrew McGrath of Burlington, Bill McGrath and his wife Megan and Matt McGrath and his wife Bethany all of New Hampshire, and great-grandchildren John, Jacob, Eliza, Emma, Bryce, and Colton. Dear sister of Marion Kelley and her late husband Henry of California, Richard Wedge and his wife Louise of Billerica, Carol Tiberii and her late companion Phillip Flammia of New Hampshire, the late Paul Wedge and his late wife Maureen, the late George Wedge and his late wife Mary, the late Walter Wedge, the late Robert Wedge and his late wife Joan, the late Barbara Hayward and her late husband Jack, sister-in-law of the late Richard McGrath and his late wife Ruthy, the late Nora McGrath and the late Eleanor Bohan and her late husband Lawrence. Dot is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Sunday, March 2nd from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to gather at the Funeral Home on Monday, March 3rd at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada St. #201, Newton, MA 02460.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.