Mary Roberta (Bodfish) McGonagle

 Funeral from the Carroll Thomas Funeral Home, 22 Oak Street, Hyde Park, Thursday, October 5 at 9:30AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church, Milton at 10:30AM.  Visiting hours Wednesday evening from 4-8PM at the funeral home.  Interment at Old Calvary Cemetery, Roslindale.  Relatives and friends invited.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Martin Richard Foundation at www.teammr8.org

Mary Roberta "Berta" McGonagle, a spirited, intelligent, and loving woman, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023. Born on August 20, 1936, in Boston, MA, she was the cherished daughter of the late Margaret and Robert Bodfish and the beloved wife of the late William F. McGonagle.

Berta was a proud graduate of the 100th class of Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury, MA, and the Boston Teachers College, class of 1958. Her dear fellow graduates, Marie Donahue Regan of Waltham, and Carol Moran Carney of Melrose, survive her. Berta's academic accomplishments laid the groundwork for her successful teaching career, which began in Norwood as an elementary school teacher. She later served the Boston Public Schools for many years, touching countless young lives with her wisdom and warmth.

After her teaching career, Berta embarked on a new professional journey as a realtor at Stanton and Tierney Real Estate in Hyde Park. Her intelligence and vivacious spirit served her well in this new role, making her a respected figure in the community.

Berta was a loving mother to Christine and her husband James of Merrimac, Brian McGonagle and his wife Kellie of Fort Myers, FL, and Neil McGonagle of Hyde Park. She was also a cherished "Grandma" to Hannah, Sarah, Greta, Colleen, Brendan, Connor, Will, and Kathryn. Her family was the center of her world, and she showered them with endless love and devotion.

In her free time, Berta and her husband, Bill, enjoyed escaping the cold Boston winters by spending time in Ft. Myers. Their retirement years were filled with travel and quality time spent with their adoring grandchildren. Berta's radiant smile and infectious laughter were a staple at every family gathering, and her presence will be deeply missed.

"Berta, we will miss you. Always a smile and a laugh. As dad would say, 'nice to have you!'". These heartfelt words encapsulate the joy and warmth that Berta brought to every interaction. Her love for her family, her passion for her work, and her zest for life were truly inspiring.

Mary Roberta "Berta" McGonagle will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her legacy of love, intelligence, and spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to have known her. Her life was a testament to the power of love, the importance of education, and the value of laughter. Berta's memory will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us to live each day with kindness, joy, and a sense of adventure.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Roberta (Bodfish) McGonagle, please visit our floral store.