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Sheila A. (McCassey) McGrady, 1936–2025, was a passionate sports fan

Sheila A. (McCassey) McGrady, 1936–2025

Sheila A. (McCassey) McGrady of Waltham died Wednesday, July 9, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She was 88.

Born and raised in Inman Square, Cambridge, Sheila was the daughter of the late Carl and Mary (Lydon) McCassey. For the past 60 years, she made Waltham her home where she raised her family.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John “Jack” McGrady and is survived by her children, Phil McGrady and his wife Amy of Waltham, Beth McGrady of Watertown, and Drew McGrady of Milford; her cherished cousin, Dorothy “Dottie” Lydon of New York; her beloved fur-baby Brady of Waltham and a circle of loyal friends who will miss her deeply.

Throughout her career, Sheila worked at Harvard University, the Federal Government (Army Corps of Engineers and Department of Fish and Wildlife), Bentley University, and MetLife.

A passionate sports fan, Sheila never missed a chance to root for her favorite Boston teams. Whether it was the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, or Patriots, she cheered with heart and knew the stats. She also found great joy in playing bingo, visiting casinos and sharing laughs and stories with friends.

Sheila will be remembered for her resilience, sharp humor and the deep love she had for her family, friends and community.

Family and friends will honor and remember Sheila’s life by gathering for an evening wake on Tuesday, July 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, and again at 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Rd., Waltham, where her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Watertown.

From Joyce Funeral Home.

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A Waltham resident since 2003, June has been a writer and editor for Scientific American, Science, The New York Times Magazine, among others. She co-founded the Alzheimer Research Forum and N-of-One. She recently retired from a 13-year career as a leader at the FSHD Society, a rare disease patient advocacy organization.