Rose P. (Brighenti) Mcguirk

Biography

LEOMINSTER/ATHOL – Rose P. (Brighenti) McGuirk, 93, formerly of Athol, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2017 in the presence of her loving family and the dedicated staff at Leominster Crossings. Born and raised in Athol, Rose was the daughter of Italian immigrants, Anthony and Maria (Boccagni) Brighenti and lived her final few years in Leominster.
Rose was a proud member of Athol High School’s class of 1941.  After graduating high school, Rose met and fell in love with a handsome young Irishman from Athol by the name of Louis McGuirk, who was also the first generation of parents that immigrated to America.  They were married on September 25, 1948 at Our Lady of Immaculate Church in Athol. They raised their family and spent 48 years together in Athol until Louis’ passing on St. Patrick’ Day, 1996.
She was a beloved teacher’s aide at Riverbend Elementary School in Athol where she worked for 20 years.  In her spare time, Rose enjoyed playing Bridge with her close friends for over 60 years…including girls’ weekends away.  After their retirement, Rose and Louis spent the following 30 years vacationing (wintering) in Marco Island, Florida where they made many new friends.
Rose’s life was centered on faith and family. She was an active member of Our Lady Immaculate in Athol, the Trentino Chapter of New England, Athol Golden Agers, St. Anthony’s Society, Athol Historical Society, and several Class of ‘41 Reunion Committees. After moving to Leominster, she faithfully attended Holy Family of Nazareth Church with her daughter, Colleen. First and foremost, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Rose was proud of her family and their many accomplishments and will remembered for her gentle and kind nature.
She will be affectionately remembered and missed by her daughter, Colleen M. CampoBasso and her husband Vincent of Sterling; her son, Gary L. McGuirk and his wife, Jane of Lexington; six grandchildren, Amy Abrams, Matthew and Andrew CampoBasso, Kara Fisette, Connor and Ryan McGuirk; seven great grandchildren, Lauren, Emily, Colin, Drew, Sadie, Chloe and Callie; nephews and nieces. Besides her husband Louis, Rose is also predeceased by two brothers, Reno and Albert Brighenti.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rose’s family from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, March 16, at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 pm on Friday, March 17, at Holy Family of Nazareth Parrish, 750 Union St., Leominster. Rose will be laid to rest next to her husband privately at Gethsemane Cemetery in Athol at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Holy Family of Nazareth Parrish, 750 Union St., Leominster, MA 01453, or Athol High School Scholarship Association, P.O. Box 338, Athol, MA 01331. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit our "guest book" on this page.


















Visitation


Thursday
March 16, 2017
,

4:00 PM
- 7:00 PM




at
Miles-Sterling Funeral Home and Tribute Center


Click for Map and Directions





A Mass of Christian Burial


Friday
March 17, 2017
,

12:30 PM





at
Holy Family of Nazareth Parrish


Click for Map and Directions