WESTFIELD – Louise (O’Donnell) McGraw, 90, (1930-2020) passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2020 in Westfield. Born in Providence, Rhode Island on August 3, 1930 to the late Joseph and Gladys (Savoy) O’Donnell, she received a Bachelor’s Degree from Pembroke College in Brown University, where she met her husband, Frederick McGraw, of Chester, MA. Louise and Fred moved to Granby, CT in 1955 and she worked for Traveler’s as an actuarial accountant until deciding to leave work to raise their three children: Ward, Cheryl and Kyle. In 1987 they moved to Westfield, MA. Louise was an active community member, both in Granby, CT and Westfield, where she was a member of the Westfield Women’s Club, the Church of Atonement, and was involved in several local Multiple Sclerosis support groups. She was an avid knitter, enjoyed traveling, going to the movies, and playing bridge. Louise will always be remembered for her indomitable spirit, battling Multiple Sclerosis for over 50 years without ever losing her positive attitude.
Louise was pre-deceased by her beloved husband of 48 years, Fred (2001), and her son, Ward (2017). Louise is survived by her children, Cheryl L. McGraw and her partner Jerry Fratini of Ludlow and Kyle F. McGraw and his husband Casey Jenkins of New York City, her daughter-in-law Nancy McGraw, her grandchildren Gregory and Michele, and her great grandsons, Liam and Miles.
Visiting hours will be held for Louise on Thursday, August 27, 2020 from 5-7 PM in the Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA 01085. A private graveside service will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery in Chester, MA. Donations in Louise’s name may be directed to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 659 Tower Ave. Hartford, CT 06112. www.firtionadams.com