With deep love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Grainne Kathleen Maunsell (née McHugh), a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and friend, on December 15, 2025. Grainne’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and generosity—a life that touched everyone who knew her.
Born in County Cavan, Ireland, on December 4, 1950, Grainne emigrated to the United States with her family at the age of eight. They settled in Somerville, Massachusetts, where she attended St. Benedict’s The Little Flower School and Somerville High. On August 8, 1971, Grainne married the love of her life, Joe, and together they built a beautiful family. Over the next decade, they welcomed four children, and Grainne dedicated herself wholeheartedly to being a stay-at-home mother—a role she embraced with joy and devotion.
When she returned to the workforce, Grainne spent more than 20 years at Newbury College in Brookline and later worked at Parkway Optical in Revere. Her professional life reflected the same kindness and integrity that defined her personal life.
Grainne was the heart of her family—a source of unconditional love, wisdom, and laughter. She lived with grace and generosity, always putting others before herself and finding joy in life’s simplest moments. Whether offering a listening ear, cheering on her loved ones, or giving one of her unforgettable hugs, Grainne made everyone feel valued and cherished. Her warmth and strength were a guiding light, and her legacy will live on in the lives she touched.
She is survived by her loving husband, Joe, and her children: Sheila (Mike) Fiaschetti of Waitsfield, VT; Eileen Maunsell of Medford, MA; Maureen Maunsell of Methuen, MA; and Joseph Jr. (Kerri) of Methuen, MA. Grainne was the proud grandmother to four treasured grandchildren: Ciera and Matthew Fiaschetti, Benjamin Maunsell, and Riley Maunsell, who will forever honor her memory. She leaves behind loving sisters Maura Lavalle, Nuala Mulvihill, Sally Maunsell and her brother Eamonn McHugh. Grainne was blessed with wonderful in laws who were also dear friends – Joan and Tom Maunsell, Rita and Brendan Maunsell, Helen and John Maunsell, Bridie and Dan Sheehy, Rita and Eddie Leahy, Mary and Mossy Kennedy and Bernie and Kevin Maunsell, Patrick Maunsell and Pat Griffin.
She leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Patrick (Sonny) and Kathleen McHugh; her dear sister Betty Griffin; three brothers-in-law (Jack Lavalle, Pat Mulvihill, and Jimmy Maunsell; and sister-in-law Tina Maunsell.
Relatives and friends may visit with the family at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St. Medford, MA, on Sunday, December 21, from 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to either Massachusetts General Hospital at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate or to St. Jude’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/give.html in her honor.
Grainne’s funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Service, 306 Main St. Medford, MA, on Monday, December 22, at 9AM, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Raphael Church 512 High St. Medford, MA, at 10AM.
Services will conclude with internment in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. MA.