Miss Mary C. McGrath

Mary C. McGrath Mary C. McGrath, age 100, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at D’Youville Senior Care Center. Mary was born in Lowell Massachusetts on March 22, 1914, the daughter of Michael and Catherine (Slattery) McGrath. She grew up in Lowell as an active member of the Sacred Heart Parish. She attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and was a graduate of Lowell High School , Class of 1932. Mary worked at General Electric in Lynn. Her employment started with the intent to support the war effort but lasted 40 years. She lived in Lynn briefly and then settled in Wilmington. Mary returned to the family home in Lowell in the late 1980’s and lived there independently until her 97th birthday. In her spare time, Mary enjoyed travel. She toured Europe, most notably Italy and the Vatican, where she had an audience with the Pope. She also travelled to the Philippines to see the work of her brother, Fr. William McGrath O.M. I., an Oblate Missionary. Mary was proud to have visited Grace Park Parish and Notre Dame of Greater Manilla, the Catholic elementary school established by Fr. Bill in the 1960s. Throughout her life Mary was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith and as the daughter of Irish immigrants, she was very proud of her family and her Irish heritage. She regularly regaled friends and the younger family members with stories about her siblings, her life as a girl in the Grove section of Lowell, and she was a great historian of the Catholic Church. In retirement, Mary was dedicated to the practice of her faith; watching or attending daily Mass and praying the Rosary. For the last three years, Mary was a vibrant member of D'Youville Senior Care Center thanks to her many gentle caregivers. On March 22, 2014, Mary celebrated her 100th birthday with her friends and family at D'Youville, where she received greetings from the Pope, President Obama and was presented with a Citation from the City of Lowell in honor of her life achievements by Mayor Elliott. Mary is survived by a niece, Kathy Reel of Florida; many cousins including Theresa Slattery of Fitchburg, Jackie Slattery of New Jersey, Mary Slattery of Chelmsford, James and Lisa Slattery of Chelmsford, Shawn and Lisa Slattery of Andover, Maura Slattery of Andover, and their children. Mary also leaves her dear friend, Marilyn Itzkowitz of Colorado. Mary was the sister of the late Agnes McGrath, Josephine Bowes, John McGrath, Rev. William P. McGrath O.M.I., Thomas McGrath, and cousin James Slattery. FUNERAL NOTICE McGRATH—In Lowell, October 19, 2014 at D’Youville Senior Care Center, Mary C. McGrath, 100 years old. Family and friends may call at HOLY FAMILY PARISH, ST. MARIE’S CHURCH, 30 Grafton St. LOWELL, on FRIDAY MORNING, from 10 until 11 A.M., with Mary’s Funeral Mass celebrated at 11 o’clock. Her burial will follow in the family lot in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Infirmary Fund, 486 Chandler St. Tewksbury, MA 01876. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 978-459-9222. www.faymccabe.com

Miss Mary C. McGrath

March 22, 1914 - October 19, 2014