Marie J. McGrath

Devoted And Loving Mother And Grandmother

Marie J. McGrath, 66, of Monroe, died Saturday at St Vincent’s Hospital after a long, courageous battle with emphysema and COPD. She was the wife of the late William L. McGrath. She was born December 17, 1941, in Brooklyn, N.Y., daughter of Muriel Schmitt and Gerard Donohue, Sr.

She will be deeply missed by her loving children and their spouses, Timothy and Debra McGrath, of Newtown, Terri and Alpesh Bhatt of Monroe, and Eileen McGrath of Monroe; and her “babies,” Kyle and Emma McGrath, and Sara Bhatt. She is also survived by three brothers and their spouses, Gerard and Josephine Donohue, Joseph Donohue, and Denis and Nancy Donohue; and several cherished nieces and nephews.

Mrs McGrath grew up in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., and was a graduate of Mary Immaculate High School. She raised her family in New Fairfield, before moving to Monroe in 2001. She worked as an administrative supervisor for Grolier, Inc for more than 16 years before her retirement.

She was an active member of many emphysema/COPD support groups and leaves behind many loving friends in that community. She was an advocate of educating children about the dangers of cigarette smoking. Her greatest role in life was being a devoted and loving mother to her children and grandchildren. Her faith, her family (particularly her grandchildren), and her ability to find humor in all aspects of life were her greatest sources of strength and carried her through many years of illness. She often said, “If you can laugh, you can get through anything.”

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated by Mrs McGrath’s dear friend, Father Skip Karscinski, October 8, at St Jude’s Church in Monroe.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Americans for Nonsmokers Rights (no-smoke.org), or to St Jude’s Youth Group, c/o 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe CT 06468.

The Newtown Bee      October 10, 2008