Joyce K. McCaffrey

Joyce K. (Alvarado) McCaffrey, 48, of Grafton, a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister, passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, February 19, 2024 after a valiant battle with cancer. 

 She was born in Worcester, the daughter of German Alvarado and Carmen (Asca) Lareau. Raised in Worcester, Joyce graduated from North High and earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Worcester State University. She then accepted a position with Fidelity Investments where she has worked for more than 25 years in the communications division, ultimately as a director. On September 27, 2003, she married Paul W. McCaffrey and together they raised their family in Worcester with faith, laughter, and love before moving to Grafton eight years ago.

 Joyce is survived by the Love of her Life, Paul, and their beloved children, Isabel and Jack McCaffrey both in Grafton and Ryan Alvarado and his husband Adam Ward of Millbury; her parents, German Alvarado in Peru and Carmen (Asca) Lareau in Worcester; a sister and her best friend, Sandy Kelly and her husband Patrick of Northborough; niece and nephews, Emma, Devin, and Cayden Kelly. To them, she was more than just their aunt, she was their Tía; and the three will always remember her as their friend, their loudest cheerleader, and an enduring light in their lives.

 She also leaves her mother-in-law, Mary McCaffrey in Watertown and brothers-in-law, Matthew McCaffrey in Atlanta, and Robert McCaffrey in Somerville, along with his two children Owen and Molly McCaffrey. In addition, Joyce leaves many friends who brought so much joy to her life, to whom she is grateful for their loyalty and support. 

 Joyce’s family would like to extend their many thanks to all her friends and co-workers, who shared a laugh, a drink, or dance with us in these past months as we celebrated her beautiful life.

 To Joyce, family was everything. She was the cornerstone of her family and found her fondest moments and greatest strength amongst them. Her children will carry forward her legacy, emulating her kindness, work ethic, resilience, and grace as they live on with her in their hearts.

 Relatives, friends and co-workers are invited to a period of calling hours on Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Her Funeral Mass will be held Friday, February 23rd at 10:30 am in St Mary’s Church, 17 Waterville St., North Grafton. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.