Elaine C. McGrath

Elaine C. (Marrone) McGrath, 81, beloved mother and aunt, whom was a longtime resident of Worcester, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Baystate Medical Center.

Elaine was born in Worcester, off Shrewsbury Street, the daughter of the late George J. and Antoinette E. (Santora) Marrone. She graduated from North High School and immediately proceeded to earn her cosmetology license. Elaine was very creative and absolutely loved being a self-employed hairdresser for over 57 years. She worked as the sole owner of El-Jame Coiffures for almost two decades and then rented a booth from Starr Salon for the remainder of her career before unofficially retiring in 2019.

Being incredibly young at heart, Elaine enjoyed shopping, going to the casino, watching 3D movies, playing board games, blowing bubbles, painting, and going for a ride to get ice cream. She especially loved family gatherings, including cookouts and birthday/holiday celebrations. Elaine’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her daughter Shannon, as they were inseparable and did everything together. Her first priority was to always ensure that Shannon was safe, healthy, happy, and strong. She prided herself on taking good care of her, was her biggest champion and confidant, and often said that it was “Shannon and I against the world”. Elaine adored her niece and nephews and considered them as her own. She was also very fortunate to have wonderful lifelong friends. She will be missed dearly by all those that knew and loved her, but particularly by her daughter since they shared an exceptionally close mother-daughter bond.

Elaine is survived by her only child, her daughter and best friend, Shannon M. Klose of Worcester, as well as Shannon’s husband Steven P. Klose. Elaine happily lived with Shannon and Steven in her own private in-law apartment for almost three decades. Elaine is also survived by her step-grandchild, Alex T. Klose and his wife Katie of Old Lyme, CT.; her brother-in-law, James F. McDermott; her niece, Patricia Jaworski and her husband Richard of Charlton; her nephew, James E. McDermott and his wife Heather of Worcester; and her nephew, Michael F. McDermott of Lancaster. Elaine also leaves many great, and great-great, nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Elaine is predeceased by her brother, George R. Marrone and her sister, Carole F. McDermott.

Elaine was a member of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish, but often attended mass at St. John’s Catholic Church.

Services for Elaine will be held privately. MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.