WESTFIELD: Ella Arlene (Grander) McGavin, 88, of Westfield, MA died peacefully at home on November 30, 2019. She was the beloved wife of the late William J. McGavin with whom she shared 43 years of marriage at the time of his death in 1992.
Born in Chester, PA on March 31, 1931 to the late Joseph A. and Ella E. (Bostwick) Grander, she was raised in Chester, graduating from Chester High School Class of 1949. Mrs. McGavin was a resident of Westfield for more than 50 years. After raising her family, she went back to school earning her Masters of Education degree from Cambridge College in 1988. She worked as a counselor for the Hampden County ARC until her retirement.
Mrs. McGavin served as president of the Whip City Travel Group where she enjoyed arranging trips, especially those to the casinos, and was active for many years with Emblem Club. She enjoyed travel, playing bingo, reading, and she especially treasured time spent with her family.
She is survived by her children, Traci Michonski and husband Chuck of VT and NC, Terri Szelewski and husband Bob of AZ, Joe and wife Liz of Westfield, Patrick “Kevin” of Springfield, Tim and wife Deb of Littleton, Mary Hester and husband Rick of Westfield, Beth Howe and husband Roger of Westfield, Helen Corcoran and husband Brian of Halifax; daughter-in-law Joann McGavin of Westborough; sister-in-law Gertrude “Boots” Kennedy of FL, brother-in-law George Rogers of DE; 27 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and 3 children, Chris McGavin, Jim McGavin and Arlene Miacola.
Visiting hours at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad St., Westfield on Thursday December 5th from 5:00 to 8:00pm. All are welcome to the funeral service on Friday December 6th at 11:30am at the funeral home followed by a gathering at the Mount Moriah Masonic Lodge, 72 Broad Street, Westfield. Burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, Westfield is private. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in her memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Her memorial page can be viewed at www.firtionadams.com
