North Grafton – Margaret R. (Generelli) Amaral, 89, of North Grafton, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, while surrounded by her loving family. Her loving husband of sixty-four years, Richard E. Amaral, predeceased her in October 2019.
Margaret is survived by four children: a daughter, Sandra J. McGinn and her husband Thomas of Worcester; three sons, Richard P. Amaral and his wife Cheryl of Oxford, James A. Amaral and his wife Karen of West Boylston, and Michael J. Amaral of North Grafton; ten grandchildren: Amanda McGinn, Felicia Amaral and her wife Catlyn, Sara Jolly and her husband Pat, Peter Amaral, Melanie Gallagher and her husband Cory, Joseph Amaral and his wife Lindsay, April Amaral, Haylee Coogan and her husband Chris, Christina Amaral-Kim and her husband EJ, and John Amaral; and seven great-grandchildren: Landon, Jake, Logan, Rowan, Owen, Harrison, and Cooper; plus two more on the way. She is also survived by a sister, Maryann Jakaitis and four brothers, John, Edward, Robert, and Thomas Generelli, all of Worcester; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a great-grandson, Grayson, and by her brother, James and sister, Jane Generelli.
Margaret was born in Worcester, daughter of the late James R. and Minnie (Giordano) Generelli. She attended Worcester Public Schools. After marrying Richard in 1955, they settled in Grafton in 1962 to raise their family.
Margaret worked for many years at Center Plaza Donuts in North Grafton, where she worked on the grille for breakfast and pleasantly served customers with her ever-radiant smile. She had previously worked at the snack bars at the former bowling alley and Mart Department store, both in Grafton.
Being an integral part of a large Italian family, Margaret took care of her younger siblings in her teenage years. Coffee and conversation, Italian cookies, and family Sunday dinners with great food were several of her cherished traditions. She amazed her children and grandchildren with boundless energy at family gatherings, and the way in which she always put everyone else first. She loved being surrounded by her family and adored having grand and great-grandchildren, who kept her young. Margaret simply loved to be with people, and her loving personality, kind heart, incredible generosity, and beautiful smile will be remembered by many.
Margaret was a member of Saint Mary’s Church of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Grafton for over 60 years. Her faith was an important part of her life. True to her caring nature, she frequently lit candles and said prayers for others.
Family and friends are invited to gather for Calling Hours on Sunday, October 8, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral will be on Monday, October 9, with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Church, 17 Waterville Street, North Grafton. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, North Grafton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, 10 Judith Road, Worcester, MA 01602.
