Cheryl Ann McGrath

Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Cheryl was the daughter of the late Leo and Carlleen (Anderson) Giannino. She graduated from Leominster High School in 1976 and went on to attend Regis College, where she earned a degree in Economics. After college, she worked in the finance department at Simplex Time Recorder before embarking on a lifelong journey alongside her husband in their antique business, McGrath Antiques.

Cheryl was a woman of many talents and boundless generosity. She had a gift for making people feel at home, whether through a warm smile, a listening ear, or a plate piled high with her exceptional cooking. Her life was filled with the evidence of her care—from the plants she tended with her famous green thumb to the birds she delighted in watching at her feeders. A devoted animal lover, she was a proud dog mom, and adored her dogs Max, Fagin, Sieger, and Ares. She also supported local animal organizations and shared her love for animals passionately with all who knew her.

Cheryl was exceptionally thoughtful and deeply attentive to the people she loved. She had an uncanny ability to know what someone needed, often before they did themselves. Whether it was a phone call at just the right moment, a carefully chosen gift, a remembered favorite, or a quiet act of support, Cheryl always kept others in mind. She noticed, she remembered, and she showed up. This steady thoughtfulness made those around her feel truly seen, cared for, and loved.

Travel and adventure were also a joy in Cheryl’s life. She loved spending time in Florida for both business and leisure, and Nubble Lighthouse in Maine held a special place in her heart from summers in her youth. She cherished time spent at the camp her father built on Lake Monomonac throughout every season of her life. Family cruises and trips to the Caribbean created countless treasured memories, and she relished these moments of laughter and togetherness with loved ones.

Above all, Cheryl loved her family. Holidays, gatherings, and everyday moments were opportunities for her to connect, to nurture, and to fill hearts (and stomachs) alike. She was the anchor of her family, bringing warmth, care, and joy to every interaction.

Cheryl’s kindness, generosity, and strength left a lasting impression on everyone who met her. She approached life with tenacity and grace, and her unwavering loyalty and compassion made her impossible not to love. She gave freely of her time, her energy, and her heart, and those gifts will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Cheryl is survived by her husband, Butch, and her beloved daughter, Elizabeth. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Jennifer Silverman, James McGrath III, and Joseph McGrath; her grandchildren, Bridget and Cooper Silverman; her only sibling, Cindy Landanno of Winchendon, and the Landanno family, Mark, Katherine, and baby Ellie. She is further survived by many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 3:00–7:00 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cheryl’s memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or the New England Wildlife Center.