Margaret A. McGrath
April 1, 2013
Margaret A. McGrath of Dunmore died Monday at Holy Family Residence following an illness. Her husband was the late John T. McGrath who died in 2006. She was a long and faithful member of Christ the King Church Parish.
Born in Dunmore, she was the daughter of the late Congressman Harry P. and Margaret Shea O’Neill. She graduated from Dunmore High School and Lackawanna Business College. During World War II, she worked in the Pentagon and afterwards, in her father’s Congressional Office as an administrative assistant. She also worked for many years in the Country Day Nursery School for her sister Lois.
The family wished to express their deep gratitude to the Little Sisters of the Poor and the staff of Holy Family Residence for their compassionate care of Peggy. Also, her wonderful caregivers of many years Pat Quinn, Ann Brennan and Donna Golden whose constant companionship enabled her to stay in her home.
Surviving are daughters Janet and husband Timothy Brier of Dunmore and Margaret McGrath of Moosic Lakes. Sons William J. and his wife Margaret McGrath of Dunmore, Harry P. McGrath, Esq., and his wife Joell of Scranton, John T. McGrath, Jr., Esq. and his wife Suzanne of Dunmore, and Christopher O. and his wife Jean McGrath of Dunmore; a brother William G. O’Neill, Esq. and his wife Jean of Gladwyne; a sister Lois Kelly of Dunmore; sister-in-law Jean O’Neill of Maryland, brother and sister-in-law Gregory and Jane McGrath of Scranton. She is also survived by twenty-five grandchildren, five great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by brothers Harry P. O’Neill, Jr., Esq. and wife Marian, Paul D. O’Neill, Joseph D. O’Neill and wife Arlene and her beloved brother-in-law Paul A. Kelly; sisters Marian T. O’Neill and Anne Loftus.
The family invites anyone attending the funeral to go directly to the church on Thursday morning.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 12:00 Noon in St. Paul’s Church, 1510 Penn Ave. Scranton.
Friends may call Wednesday from 4:00-8:00 at Holy Family Residence in the Maloney Lounge, 2500 Adams Ave. Scranton.
Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.
At Peggy’s request, in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Residence 2500 Adams Ave. Scranton, PA 18509 or at www.liitlesistersofthepoorscranton.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston & James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton, PA 18510.
To send the family an online condolence visit www.vanstonandjames.com.
F.P. Woodbridge, Jr.
I was truly saddened to hear of Aunt Peggy’s death, and I offer you my deepest sympathy. I will always remember her humor, generosity, and genuine interest in what you had to say. I think of her kindness when my sister, Cecilia, died and what a good friend she was to my parents. Know that you are in my thoughts.
Meg Woodbridge Mills
I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Peggy. She was always so much fun and such a generous host whenever we visited Scranton. My parents loved her so much and often talked of the famous trip they took with her and your Dad to California. All the Woodbridges loved her. I hope it brings you comfort to know that she is out of pain and at peace.
Patty Campbell Comey
I was so sad to hear of Peggy’s passing, I have such fond memories of her and all the O’Neill’s. Whether we saw everyone in Scranton or at the shore a good time was had by all. Love and laughter were so much a part of the family, and generously shared with everyone who came in contact with the O’Neill Clan. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Patty
Mary K. Woodbridge Threlkel
Dear Bill, Janet, Margie, Harry, Jack and Chris:
My brother Bill called me last night with the sad news of Peggy’s death. I’m so sorry. Your Mom was such a wonderful person. Her kindness, her stories, her great smile and laugh are memories I will treasure always. Peg was one of a kind.
With love and our heartfelt sympathy,
Mary K and Rich Threlkel
Betty and Fran Norella
you are in our thoughts and prayers