Regina C. McGrath

Regina "Gina" (O'Brien) McGrath, passed away September 6, 2026 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare after a long struggle with the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and dementia. Gina was born in Boston in 1936 to John and Florence (Driscoll) O'Brien and lived in Charlestown until 1943 when the family moved to Malden. In 1954, Gina graduated from Malden High School. She was the youngest of six children and was especially close with her sister Marion (O'Brien) Stickney, who predeceased her in 2020. She is also predeceased by her sister Florence "Dolly" (O'Brien) Ryle and brothers Jackie O'Brien, Tom O'Brien, and Bobby O'Brien. Gina was aunt to 33 nieces and nephews, many who have predeceased her. Her dear niece, Patricia Ryle, predeceased her in 2025.

Gina is survived by her daughter Karen Regan, son-in-law Jim, granddaughter Annie Regan and her husband Jason Mazzotta, granddaughter Nora (Regan) Onda and her husband Brandon Onda, grandson Seamus Regan, and grandson Liam Regan as well as her two great-grandsons George and Nolan Onda.

Gina met the love of her life, George McGrath, in junior high school through George's brother Franny McGrath. They married at St. Joseph's Church in Maplewood in 1955. It was rare to see one without the other until George died unexpectedly after a sudden illness in 2012. George and Gina lived in Melrose for 45 years but moved to Petersham in 2001 to be close to their daughter Karen and her family.

Gina was a full-time mom and homemaker until she returned to work outside the home as a clerk in settlement and control in Gilchrist's and Jordan Marsh department stores in the early 1970's. She then took on a similar position at Shawmut Bank in Boston's financial district until she retired in 2000.

Gina and George loved to travel and were always on the go with trips to Maine, Hawaii, and Ireland, often with George's siblings Franny (Caryl Stapleton) and Eileen (Bob Terrio), but they especially loved to go on cruises. Gina was a regular participant in COA, St Peter's, and Petersham Lions Club events. She was devoted to her four grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on at athletic events, dance recitals, and musical performances.

We will dearly miss her and her generous, loving support. She often didn't get our jokes but she could make us laugh with her droll comments.

You were always a fighter Mum, but now it's time to rest easy with Dad.

Calling Hours will be held at Mack Family Funeral Homes, Athol- Orange Chapel, 110 New Athol Rd. Orange, MA on Thursday, September 17, from 5:30-7:30 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter's Church, 18 North St. Petersham, MA 01366 on Friday, September 18, at 10:00 AM followed by burial at East St. Cemetery in Petersham, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, www.mlerfi.com  (MLERFI).