Grace E. MacPhee

Paxton/West Boylston - Grace Elizabeth (Palmer) MacPhee, 101, passed away peacefully, and in comfort on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Born and raised in Northborough, Massachusetts, Grace was the daughter of Willoughby and Nina (Harrington) Palmer. Grace had happy memories of growing up on the family farm in Northborough. Grace had two sisters and four brothers. Grace graduated from Northborough High School. After graduation, Grace attended business school in Worcester and became a bookkeeper. She volunteered for the USO, wrote articles for the local newspapers, and was an avid Horse rider.

Grace married Warren C. MacPhee in Worcester, on November 24, 1951. While Warren served in the Navy, the couple lived near Quonset Naval Station in Rhode Island. They moved to Paxton, MA in 1960, and remained there for many years. They were married for 44 years before his death in 1995. Grace was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Church Book Club, the Women’s Club of Paxton, Women’s Republican Committee, and The Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed reading, traveling, hiking, collecting rocks, and watching westerns.

Grace leaves behind four sons; Donald and his wife Linda of Danvers, John Scott and his wife Pamela of New Hampshire, Bruce of Holland, and Craig and his wife Rosemarie of Pepperell. She also leaves behind her daughter Christine (MacPhee) Hilmer of Michigan. Grace was “Grandma” to seven grandchildren; Jeffrey, Rachel, Alex, Taylor, Victoria, Katlyn, and Natalie. She was Great Grandma to Andrew, Jasmine and Evelyn.

In accordance with Grace’s wishes, a small celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution in Grace’s memory can be made to the MASS Audubon Society.