Margaret Mary (Sullivan) Bourget-Festa

It is with heavy hearts but also with cherished memories that we share the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Margaret Mary (Sullivan) Bourget-Festa, 96, of Grafton, on March 14, 2026.

Peg was born in Worcester on April 23, 1929, to Nellie and Michael Sullivan, beginning what would become a long, well-lived life filled with family, friends, faith, and a positive outlook on life. A devoted Catholic and a lifelong reader, she also enjoyed candlepin bowling, exercising, and daily walks with her dog.

More than anything, Peg cherished time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was always at the heart of every family gathering, enjoying the company around her and time spent with those she loved.

She also shared a special bond with her beloved dog, Benji, who was her loyal sidekick for the past eleven years and her constant companion to the very end.

Peg was predeceased by her first husband, Alfred Bourget (1978), her second husband, Carmen Festa (1997), and her daughters, Sharon M. Cullina and Mary C. Meloche, who brought immense joy and laughter to her life.

She leaves behind her son, Alfred Bourget and his wife Dianne of Grafton, her daughter, Tandrea Perry and her husband John of Grafton; her son-in-law Kevin Cullina of Bradenton, FL.; her sister Maureen Charbonneau of Westborough; six grandchildren, Shannon Lorentsson (Jonas), Keith Bourget (Megan), Holly Davis (Jason), Jeremy Meloche (Michelle), Jake Perry (Anna), and Keaton Perry (Alexandria); and eleven great-grandchildren, Max, Colin, Lily, Kevin, Cooper, Harrington, Lincoln, Finley, Lila, Augustine, and Aurelia each of whom knew they were her favorite (and somehow, she made that believable). She also leaves several nieces and nephews as well as her longtime friends, Penny and Inga. 

Peg was a graduate of the former Commerce High School and worked for many years at Gilman Bros., where she managed pharmaceutical orders. She later worked in the cafeteria at South High School and spent more than 20 years waitressing at the Italian Kitchen on Shrewsbury Street, where she no doubt perfected the art of keeping things moving while still making people feel at home. In her later life, she also worked at Curves, where she made many friends, treating them like family in the only way she knew how.

Peg enjoyed her weekly Friday happy hours with family, proof that she understood the importance of good company and a well-timed toast. She never forgot a birthday and rarely missed sending a card, especially a thank-you note, because in Peg’s world, appreciation mattered, even for the little things. She always put her family first, and in return, she was the center of our world.

Our family would like to thank her wonderful caregivers Lisa, Tina, and Ann who became an important part of her extended family, as well as Dr. Sison, her nurse Denise, Maggie Cabral and the Worcester VNA. 

As a parting message, we share the lesson she taught us: 

Any day you can get out of bed and put your feet on the floor is a good day!

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, located at 640 Main St. in Shrewsbury. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge St. in Worcester. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Chance Animal Services Adoption Center in East Brookfield.