Obituary of Ann Marie McGarry

Ann Marie McGarry, passed away peacefully with her family and friends at her bedside as the sun set, on Wednesday afternoon, January 25, 2017. She was 83 years old. Ann was born and raised in Woburn, and was the daughter of Joseph and Ida (Wells) Connolly. She was a graduate of St. Charles School. Ann then went to work as a Bank Administrator at Old Colony Bank in Boston. She started dating a young man who lived on their street named John McGarry. While dating they enjoyed going dancing at the ballroom in Hampton Beach. They were married in 1953 when Ann was just 20 years old. Ann remained working until the birth of her first child and chose to remain home and be a full time mother. Once her children were settled in school she then started working part time for the Woburn School Department in the cafeteria. She loved seeing the kids each day and all the staff, so much so that she worked until she was the age of 70. She spent many of those years at the Altavesta School. Ann was a woman whom once you were her friend, you were always her friend. Ann made a point to always stay connected with all her different groups of friends and there were many. So Wednesday’s were spent at Frannie’s Restaurant in Winchester where her school chums and cousins gathered every week. On the first Monday of the month, Ann had lunch with her “Lunch Lady” friends. On an occasional Friday night Ann and her friends would gather together at Bickford's in Burlington to listen to Irish music. Ann was always ready to go out with her friends whenever the opportunity arose. She enjoyed her evening gin and tonic. She was a member and past officer of the Sons of Italy in Woburn and was a member of the Catholic Daughters at St. Charles Church. Ann was a kind, loving, and warm hearted person. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. There aren’t many people who can say they are still friends with their elementary school classmates. Ann was also a woman with a great devotion to her family. She was the loving wife to her husband John for 50 years. It was for Ann and John that opposites attract. Ann was extremely social and always wanted to be on the go. John was more of homebody. They brought out the best in each other. They enjoyed car trips to York, Maine and throughout New England. They also enjoyed trips to Florida and several cruises. As a mother, she was supportive, always there to lend a helping hand or offer some kind advice. She was so happy to become a grandmother. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren who all lovingly called her “Nana”. Even their friends called Ann “Nana”. She loved being part of their lives and it brightened her day every time she saw or heard from them. Ann was also a wonderful sister and aunt. During her final days, there was a constant vigil held by family and friends, who did not want Ann to be alone and wanted to express how much they loved and appreciated her for all she had shared with them during her lifetime. Ann was the beloved wife of 50 years of the late John McGarry. She was the loving mother of Gail Lamont of Billerica, Glen & his wife Michelle of York, ME, and Greg & his wife Marie of Woburn. She was the sister of Marilyn Christiansen & her husband Norman of Burlington and sister-in-law of Dr. Guy McGarry & his wife Marie of Westford. Ann was the proud Nana of Amy & Sean Lamont, Erin & Danielle McGarry, and Joshua & Cody McGarry. She was also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Monday, January 30 at 10 a.m. Followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Charles Church, Woburn at 11 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday from 3-6 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ann’s name may be made to St. Charles Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, MA 01801.