Margaret Rita (Sullivan) McGrath, 94, of Worcester, formerly of 53 Freeland Street, died Tuesday, May 24th in Knollwood Nursing Center. Her husband of 53 years, John J. McGrath died in 1997. She is survived by her six children and their families, Arlene and her husband Richard Hughes of Arlington, Raymond and his wife, Shirlene, Peter and his wife, Joan all of Dennis, Kathleen Burdett of Webster, David and his wife, Patricia of Grafton and Dennis, and Cynthia and her husband, Michael Morin of Oxford. With great pride she also leaves thirteen grandchildren, Linda Tavano, Jennifer McGrath, Michael Hughes, Matthew McGrath, Kara Gibbons, Alyssa Granville, David Morin, Bryan, Jeffrey, and Andrew, McGrath, Ashlie Wolf and Luke Burdett, seventeen great grandchildren. Four brothers, two sisters and her granddaughter Robin Tyler predeceased her.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Brosnihan) Sullivan of County Kerry, Ireland. Rita was a graduate of St. Peter's High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Rita was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Parish and a member of the former Main South Post 341 American Legion. She loved to travel, enjoying many trips, especially a trip to Ireland. Rita enjoyed bowling and classic western movies. But most especially she loved being with her family. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the care and compassion that was given to our mother at the Knollwood Nursing Center.
Her funeral is Friday, May 27th from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with her funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 931 Main Street. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. A visitation period will be held from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home the day of the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Robin Tyler Scholarship Fund, c/o Uni-Bank, 49 Church Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588.