Patricia A. McGrath

Patricia A. (Murray) McGrath, 87, died on December 13, 2015. Born in Philadelphia, PA on August 22, 1928. She was preceded in death by parents Frank and Kathryn (Donahue) Murray; brothers Frank, David, and Ricky; her husband of 64 years, Francis X. McGrath, Sr.; and infant son Michael Vincent. Survived by children Francis X., Jr. (Christy), Karen (Thomas) Dupre, Kevin (Anne), Dennis (Carolyn), Christopher (Cindi), and Sarah; 19 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The oldest of four children of Frank and Kathryn Murray, Mom was big sister to three brothers, Frank, David, and Ricky, and oldest cousin in the Donahue-Murray clan. An outstanding athlete, Mom was captain of her basketball team at Little Flower High School and was awarded a basketball scholarship to Temple University. She married our Dad on November 19, 1949 and began an adventure that included six children born in six different states, 14 cross-country moves, numerous trips around the U.S. and abroad, and eventually 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She would have been so happy to know that another great-grandchild is on the way. Mom was a pioneer in girls' athletics. She founded the Edina Girls Athletic Association in the early 1970s at a time when many schools did not have organized sports for girls. She coached girls' basketball at Christ the King school in Denver, and girls' basketball and softball at Our Lady of Grace (OLG) school in Edina, MN. She was instrumental in the building of the gyms of both schools. She inspired many young women to continue playing sports in high school and college. One of her great joys was coaching many of her ""girls"" in a women's softball league in Edina. To many, she will be remembered as ""Patty Mint"" and simply, ""Coach."" She was a dedicated volunteer at all of our schools and parishes. She was an Athletic Director and Coach, started a school newsletter at OLG, and headed many committees and fund-raisers. She instilled the importance of education in all of us, and taught us to appreciate art and God's creation, especially the Rocky Mountains. Mom treasured her family. She raised us to take care of each other and she was fiercely protective. One of our favorite stories involves her making a ""citizen's arrest"" of a young man who had stolen Fran's skis. She made sure we participated in all the wonderful things each of our home states had to offer. Her favorite place to live was Denver, and she and Dad took us to the mountains at every chance. Mom made Christmas magical. We have wonderful memories of being around the Christmas tree, listening to Christmas carols, and tearing into the presents that she so carefully chose for each of us. She made the most beautiful Easter baskets. She both delighted in and was exasperated by the hi-jinx that six kids could get into. She gave us tough love when needed and tender love the rest of the time. Her greatest joy happened when the grandchildren came along. She adored them and they all knew it. We have countless memories of time spent at Grandma and Grandpa's in Minnesota, fishing off the dock, canoeing in the pond, and sharing in delicious meals. Mom loved playing cards, board games, and Jenga with the kids. So many memories…freshly baked cakes on the cake plate on the fridge; tins full of Chips Ahoy, saltines, and pretzels in the cupboard; green coke (7-Up); sandwiches cut like butterflies; peanut butter crackers; playing pool in the basement; Halloween masks; her diet Pepsi in the basement fridge; perfectly trimmed hedges; her beautiful roses; Mom banging on the window and yelling at our dog, Katje; her musical whistling; her perfectly arced basketball shot and masterful lay-ups; how she loved to mow the lawn; chasing the geese with her remote control car; her never-ending battle with the birdseed-eating squirrel; her delicious coleslaw, chicken casserole, turkey, and ham dinners; the Christmas ornaments she gave to the grandkids each year; the way she tucked the kids into bed, made a little cross with her thumb on their foreheads, and said ""God bless."" Although Alzheimer's slowly took away her memory, her lively spirit persisted for many years. We treasured every wink, laugh, and precious smile. Dad's devotion to Mom during these final years will stay in our hearts forever. We are extraordinarily grateful to Rabbi Steven and Mom's caregivers at Shalom Park, including Aryia. Ely, Arlean, Lucy, Susan, Marta, Anna, Michael, Jin, Adam, Jan, Marguerite, and so many others, and also the volunteers from St. Michael's. In particular, we thank her angel here on earth, Desta. Funeral Mass Friday, December 18, 2 PM at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 2200 S Harrison St, Denver, CO 80210. Donations are suggested to Shalom Cares, 14800 East Belleview Drive Aurora, CO 80015 or Regis University Jesuit Community, 3333 Regis Boulevard, Denver, CO 80221-1099. Please share your memories of Patty by selecting the guestbook link below.