It is with heavy hearts that the family and dear friends of Mary M McGrath
announce her passing on April 8, 2024. Her life-long friend Mary Ellen,
was by her side. Mary had been a resident at Linda Manor Extended Care
Facility for nearly 20 years. She was the second child born to
Robert McGrath and Kathleen (Gougeon) McGrath on August 20,1950.
Mary was raised in the Baystate area of Northampton. She
attended local schools until her sophomore year of High School when she
entered the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton, MA receiving her
High School Diploma in 1971.
Mary had many challenges in her life both physically and emotionally and
also many blessings. She was born with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and its
associated complications. She was unable to walk until the age of 7. Mary was
chosen to be the POSTER CHILD for CEREBRAL PALSY in the Greater
Springfield area in the late 1950's.
Losing her mother at age 8 was a turning point in her life.
Although she was young, Mary was determined not to define her abilities as 'limited'
because of her CP. She credits her mother's influence for her 'can do'
attitude and determination to live an independent life which she
accomplished living on her own for many years.
Mary attended Northampton Junior College and eventually moved to
Holyoke in 1976. It was there that she found a community of resources that assisted
her with her physical and mental health challenges. Mary found a strong
spiritual community at Jericho House in Holyoke as an active member.
In 1986 Mary became a Full-Time Volunteer at the Holyoke Children's
Museum. When she achieved clocking in over 2,500+ hours she
was honored as VOLUNTEER of the YEAR with a reception at the Log
Cabin in Holyoke. Mary was also an advocate for those with developmental
challenges. On many occasions she was invited to speak at local
grammar/middle schools and community organizations
to share her experiences as a person with developmental challenges. These
presentations were focused on treating all people as members of a community
and dispelling myths. Mary was very proud of these presentations.
In 2004, Mary moved to Linda Manor in Leeds to be closer to family and
friends. She was an involved well-known resident and an active participant
in her care. She was considered to be 'THE QUEEN OF RAFFLES'
and took pride in selling raffle tickets for various projects at the facility.
Most importantly, Mary was happy, kind and funny. She was a fiercely loyal friend.
She cherished her friends and never forgot to say "I Love You"
after visiting with those she loved. Mary's friends were a sustaining force
in her life until her death. She will be missed but her spirit lives in all who cherished her.
Mary's family and friends wish to thank all the staff at Linda Manor including nurses,
nurses aides, activities, nutrition and dietary, reception, rehabilitation, housekeeping and
mental health services for their compassionate care to Mary over the last 20 years.
Thank you to the members of the Cornerstone Chapel in Florence for their spiritual guidance to Mary
and to CDH Hospice and MGH Cancer Center at CDH for making Mary feel special and comfortable.
A Spiritual Celebration for Mary will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Cornerstone Chapel
580 Bridge Road in Florence with her burial immediately following at St Mary's Cemetery on Bridge Road.
Donations may be made in Mary's Memory to :
Activities Program
Linda Manor Extended Care Facility
349 Bridge Road
Leeds, MA 01053