Joan Mary McGrath

Joan Mary McGrath (née Meade) passed away at the age of 89 on May 26, 2025. She was born on February 5, 1936, in Hopedale, Massachusetts, and spent most of her adult life in Ashland. Joan suffered from vascular dementia and spent the past seven years at the Coleman House in Northborough.

Upon graduating from Hopedale High School, Joan attended Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing in Boston, graduating as an RN on October 23, 1957. In November 1958, she married John B. McGrath, who was employed by New England Telephone, and they celebrated 66 years together prior to John’s death in February 2024.

Joan worked as an RN during the night shift in the Waltham Hospital Emergency Room for several decades and later became part of the Visiting Nurse Association in the greater Framingham area. She excelled at fine needlepoint, crocheting, and knitting. Both John and Joan enjoyed taking cruises and spending summers near Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, ME. Two memorable trips for them were to Denmark and Ireland.

Preceded in death by her husband, John McGrath, and brother, Richard Meade, Joan is survived by her three children: Brian McGrath (Jean), Kathy Chiasson (Paul Winoski), and Julia Dowd (Bobby), as well as her seven grandchildren: Megan, Sean, Nicholas, Michael, Colin, Kyle, and Amanda and four great-grandchildren: Julian, Isabella, Russell, and Ellie.

Joan was beloved for her dedication to her children and grandchildren, who brought her much joy. She treasured her time with family and friends.

There are no services at the request of the family. The Tighe-Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central Street Hudson, MA., are honored to assist in arrangements.