Obituary

Andrea L. "Andi" (Wragg) Taffe, a longtime resident of Melrose and formerly of Newton, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington. She was 84 years old.

Born in Newton on May 25, 1941, Andi was the beloved daughter of the late William H. Wragg and Margaret P. (Dohoney) Wragg. She was raised in Newton, where she attended local schools and graduated from Newton North High School. Andi continued her education at the Bouve Boston School at Tufts University, earning her bachelor's degree in Physical Education in 1963, and later received her master's degree in Health Sciences from Salem State University in 1978.

Andi began her professional life as a teacher at Tewksbury High School. After several years working as a research assistant in pathology at Boston City Hospital, she returned to her true calling in education. In 1968, she joined the faculty at Melrose High School, where she inspired generations of students until her retirement in 1996.

Even in retirement, Andi's passion for education and young people never faded. She generously volunteered in the Development Office at Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School in Methuen. Deeply moved by the mission of the school, she delighted in witnessing firsthand how students' lives were transformed through their education. Through her years there, she formed cherished friendships, especially with Sr. Mary Murphy, SNDdeN, and Sr. Maryalyce Gilfeather, SNDdeN.

Andi had a lifelong love of golf—a passion she first learned from her father as a child. She became a member of Bellevue Golf Club in 1969 and remained an active and devoted member for many years.

A skilled and competitive golfer, Andi was a 12-time Women's Club Champion and made history as the club's first female president, serving from 2010 to 2012. She treasured the camaraderie of her fellow golfers, the joy of competition, and the many friendships formed both on and off the course. She also enjoyed traveling throughout Massachusetts for tournaments and guest events.

She was a proud member of the Women's Golf Association of Massachusetts, the American Association of University Women, and the Melrose Alliance Against Violence.

A woman of deep faith, Andi was a devoted member of Incarnation Parish in Melrose, where she found a strong and loving community. You could often find her as a lector proclaiming the word of God at Sunday Mass.

In 2024, Andi returned from Florida and made her home at The Residence at Melrose Station. There, she embraced a new chapter of life—enjoying good meals, happy hours, and the companionship of both new and familiar friends.

Andi was the loving wife of the late Neal L. Taffe. She is survived by her sister, Suzanne M. Dwyer, and her husband, Vincent Courtney Dwyer III. She was the devoted aunt of Kara Atkins of Ashburn Farms, VA, and Vincent Courtney Dwyer IV of Medway, MA, and a proud great-aunt to Jason Atkins, Douglas Dwyer, and Ryan Dwyer.

Andi is also lovingly remembered by her partner of more than a decade, Jack Ryder. Together, they shared a life rich in love, laughter, and treasured memories, dividing their time between the Boston area and North Palm Beach, Florida. Andi
especially cherished her time on the golf courses of North Palm Beach Country Club, where she found both joy and peace. She loved the beach, her home in Nahant, and tending to the large garden she and Jack cultivated together. One of her simple joys was gathering wild beach plums to make her special beach plum jelly. She will be deeply missed by Jack, his children, and especially his devoted daughters, Carolyn and Marion.

Andi was blessed with many dear friends who enriched her life. Those who accompanied her with love and care in her final days hold a special place in her story, including her longtime friends Barbara Crystal and Diane Bena; her parish friends Ellen Sen, and Pat and Dick McConville; and her Cristo Rey friends, Sr. Mary Murphy and Sr. Maryalyce Gilfeather.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Andi's visiting hours on Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. inside Incarnation Church, 429 Upham Street, Melrose, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11 A.M. Her burial will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 11:15 AM at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andi's memory to:

Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School
203 Lawrence Street
Methuen, MA 01844

or by visiting www.ndcrhs.org to make an online gift in support of a special
scholarship established in her name.

May Andi's beautiful soul rest in the loving arms of our good God!