Collina Aileen Mcgrath

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Collina Aileen (Reim) McGrath – affectionately known as “Kiki” -- who left us on October 12th, the same day as her 74th wedding anniversary.  She was 95 years old.  Kiki was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an adoring grandmother whose warmth, creativity, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.  Born on May 9, 1929, in Palmer, MA to Oliver E. and Eleanor C. Reim of Wright Street,  Kiki was the middle of five children.  She spent the first 90 years of her life in Palmer before relocating to Duxbury, MA following the death of her beloved husband and partner Richard J. McGrath.  This new chapter of her life was filled with fresh adventures and she cherished her time with her son Jon and his family.Kiki was always industrious, beginning her career as a waitress at The Townhouse Restaurant in Palmer.  After graduating high school at the end of WWII, she started work at the Palmer Savings Bank.  She later applied her accounting skills in their own business, first at the family Buick dealership, the Palmer Garage, and then at McGrath Automotive, an ARCO service station first on North Main Street and later on Thorndike Street.

After sending every child through college, she filled her time in community service and artistry.  She started a folk music program at St Thomas, volunteered at the library, and also combined her artistic talents with her love of children at The Sturbridge Village in the education program, working there for many years.

She was a devout Catholic and her faith was her guide in life. Her rosary beads were always close at hand and she had a surprising number of crucifixes.

Kiki was extremely talented and creative and had an amazing sense of style.  She was a master seamstress and for years made all the clothing her girls wore to school.  She became an accomplished painter and engaged in the art of theorem painting.  She also learned to hook rugs and made many rugs for family. She was a prolific knitter.  Kiki had a witty sense of humor, a love of reading, tennis and football, and enjoyed the occasional glass of chardonnay.

Kiki was a dedicated mother to her five children. Michael (wife Trudi Eve Kinser and granddaughter Hartley) of Boulder, CO; Mary Patricia (Patty) (husband William Morse, grandchildren Leigh, Lauren and Conor and great-granddaughter Brooklyn) of Avon, CT; Jonathan (wife Linda, granddaughters Kinsley and Ashley, great-granddaughters Britton and Penelope, and great-grandson Jack) of Duxbury, MA; Mary Catherine (Katie) (husband Steve Savaria, granddaughter Jennifer, grandson Matthew, great-grandson Psylus, and step-grandchildren Lauren, Christian, Martha) of Feeding Hills, MA; and Joseph (grandchildren Tazman, Ramsey, Lakeyn, and Callie) of Portland, OR and daughter-in-law, Trisha Rice. Kiki found great joy in her roles as mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her nurturing spirit and steady support helped to shape her children’s lives and instill in them the values of love, respect, and hard work. Her eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren had a special place in her heart, and with each of them Kiki created lasting memories that will be cherished forever.  Kiki also leaves her surviving sister, Kathleen Dickinson, of Loveland, CO.  

Kiki was predeceased by her husband Richard, her son, Joseph, her daughter in law, Trudi Eve Kinser,  her grandson Matthew O’Connell and her siblings Barbara Teague, Francis Reim and Sheila Newhall McCarron.

In her final months, Kiki lived at Newfield House in Plymouth, MA where she continued to entertain her family and share her signature wit with the staff, whom she adored.  The family is deeply grateful to the Newfield House staff for treating Kiki with the utmost care and love. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, October 20 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Beers and Story funeral home on North Main St.,  Palmer where friends and family are invited to share their memories and honor her remarkable journey.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on October 21st  at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church in Palmer, MA. In lieu of flowers, join us in showing our appreciation to the staff of Newfield House by sending a donation to honor them at 19 Newfield Street in Plymouth, MA 02360.  

Kiki leaves behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.