Jean Elizabeth McGrath

Jean Elizabeth McGrath of Milford, NH, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, following a brief illness. She was 99.5 years and was in great health over the vast majority of her life and considered herself to be very fortunate.

Born on August 9, 1926, in Townsend, Massachusetts, Jean was the eighth of eleven children born to Charles "Mickey" and Margaret "Maggie" Conner. She grew up in the Harbor Village area and was a proud member of the first graduating class of Townsend's Spaulding High School in 1944, and was selected to "model" the class ring, of which she was very proud.

While working at Fort Devens as a young woman, Jean attended a Saturday night dance at the Baboosic Lake Pavilion with friends. It was there she met Reginald "Reggie" McGrath, and she was duly impressed by his wit, charm, and dancing abilities. They married in 1947 and settled in Milford to raise their four children. Jean built a successful career, spending many years at Hendrix Wire and Cable Company as an executive assistant and payroll administrator. She retired in the mid-1980s but remained held in high regard by her colleagues, often returning to visit for company milestones.

Jean possessed a strength and resolve that was obvious to all who knew her, especially as she cared for Reggie during his years of challenging and declining health. Despite challenges, she maintained a positive outlook and could find the silver lining in almost any cloud. As a child of the Depression, she truly appreciated the finer things in life, including family trips to Florida, California, and the Caribbean. Her home was a hub of activity where "the more the merrier" was a constant theme, and her swimming pool was always full of family and friends.

After Reggie had passed in 1996, she met Mr. Russell Coney. Accompanied by Russ, Jean continued her passion for music and ballroom dancing, enjoying many concerts and cruises . A woman of faith and a warm heart, Jean volunteered with the Share program and the local nursing association, and often played the organ or piano at nursing homes to brighten the days of others.

Jean is survived by her children, Bonnie Bottazzi, and her husband Louis,Barbara Ricciardi, Brenda Nadeau, and Jeff McGrath, and his wife Becky McGrath, as well as many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jean requested to forgo a traditional funeral in favor of a party or cook-out.

A Celebration of Life will be determined and announced at a later date.

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