Westborough – Elaine T. McDonagh, 87, of Westborough, passed away peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, March 14, 2017.
She was born March 5, 1930 in Worcester, the daughter of the late Ernest and Judy (Haddad) Rabidou. She was an only child, but grew up on Grafton Hill in Worcester among many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was educated in Worcester schools and was a graduate of Commerce High School.
In her younger years, Elaine married Patrick McDonagh, a foreman and musician from Ireland, and they raised their five children on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester.
Elaine was an avid cook, crossword puzzle enthusiast, and participated in many activities with the Grafton Hill American Legion Post. She was also a longtime member of the Post’s Bowling League. Elaine and her family started a tradition of vacationing at Old Orchard Beach in Maine where her daughters now reside and the extended family still vacations.
Elaine had a career as a telephone operator for R.H. Whites of Worcester and then at Worcester City Hospital and UMass Medical Center.
Elaine has been a resident of Westborough since 1995 and was a communicant of St. Luke the Evangelist Church. She participated in many activities, including making meals for the less fortunate. During her time in Westborough, she focused on her ever-growing family who she forever put first in her thoughts and actions. She then made her final move to Kindred Healthcare where she made many friends with residents and caregivers. Elaine took up coloring as her way of spreading cheer.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to her many caregivers and friends at Kindred who helped make the Kindred home a home to her.
Elaine is survived by her five children, Paul M. McDonagh and his wife Cynthia of Westborough, Marybeth Fenuccio and her husband Raymond of Worcester, Patrice A. Savage and her husband Michael of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Brian P. McDonagh of Worcester, and Michael J. McDonagh and his wife Janet of Mansfield; her former husband, Patrick McDonagh; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, Elliot, Max, Vivi; and many beloved step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, March 21, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery. Calling hours at the David A. Pickering Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, are Monday, March 20, from 4-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance, c/o UMass Memorial Foundation, 333 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or at www.pancreaticalliance.org.
