LEOMINSTER---Margaret Theresa (McHugh) Maffei, 96 years old of Leominster, died in her home, on Saturday, February 20, 2021 with her devoted daughter Karen by her side. She is survived by her 2 daughters Kathleen M. Thompson and her husband Steven of Winchendon and Karen M. Maffei of Leominster, her son James A. Maffei of Leominster, 5 grandchildren and several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Margaret was predeceased by her husband Alfred M. Maffei in 2008 to whom she was married for 58 years. She was also predeceased by her 3 brothers Dr. James McHugh, Thomas McHugh and Fr. Berchmans McHugh, 2 sisters Mary Donohue and Sister Kathleen McHugh.
Margaret was born in Leominster on June 1, 1924, the daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Gorley) McHugh and was a lifelong resident. She graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in Fitchburg and received her RN degree from St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing in Worcester. While Margaret's career as a Registered Nurse spanned experiences from bedside nursing to working with plastic surgeons in New York, she finally retired from nursing after several years as a beloved School Nurse at Leominster High School. Margaret was a member of St. Leo’s Church and the former Fortnightly Club in Leominster. She had been active in the Alumni of both St. Bernard’s High School and St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing and the society of the Blessed Virgin at St. Leo's Parish.
Margaret's career as a nurse was second to her vocation as loving mother, wife and homemaker. With a keen sense of humor, a generous heart and an infectious smile, Margaret's home was always full of love and warmth for family and friends alike. Fred and her children were the essence of her life. Never was there a dull moment in the Maffei household while her children grew up and in between crafting and having a house full of friends and fellowship she and Fred enjoyed vacationing in Florida. Over the years students at Leominster High School and friends of her children confided in Margaret that her example as a nurse and mother inspired them.
Margaret was beautifully cared for by her devoted daughter, Karen, for 8 years. As Margaret declined physically over the years, more and more friends and family members stepped forward to care for and generously spend time with Margaret. Karen would like to especially thank her McHugh cousins Andrea, Bonnie and Debbie for their generosity of time with their beloved aunt. The family would also like to extend special thanks Trish Campbell, Elise White and Jane Gallant for their constant support. As Margaret required hospice care over several months of her life, the exceptional care provided by June and Jackie of Health Alliance Hospice is sincerely appreciated.
Due to Covid restriction all services are private. In the spring a Memorial Mass will be held in St. Leo's Church, Leominster.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Margaret Theresa (McHugh) Maffei, please visit our floral store.