A native Arizonan, Patricia Lee McGrath was born on September 3,1927 and died February 12, 2022. She grew up on a ranch in West Phoenix and attended Cartwright School, St Mary’s High School and graduated from the University of Southern California in 1951. She spent her adult life in Phoenix, was married to Jerry McGrath for nearly 70 years, and was the mother of their 3 children Michael, Kevin and Shannon.
Pat was a Cub Scout and a Girl Scout leader, a little league mom and an active participant in her children’s education. She volunteered for Friends of Our Little Brothers and the Shemer Art Center. She was passionate about her SC Trojans, her “Bitch & Stitch” group, friends and projects, and most of all, her grandchildren. She loved reading, conversation, and cocktails with friends and family.
She was predeceased by her husband Gerald W. McGrath, her parents William E. And Ethyl G. Springer, her sister Barbara Ann, and her beloved daughter, Shannon. In addition to her sons, she is survived by daughter-in-law Eileen, son-in-law Bill Fee, her granddaughters, Katlin, Katie, Erin, Shea and Megan and grandson Dillon. She will miss seeing her great-grandchildren Cooper, Jax, Cash, Shayde and Crew grow up in California. Patricia is grateful for her thoughtful and patient caregivers.
A memorial Mass and reception will be celebrated later this year to remember the lives she and Jerry made together. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Posey Nash
She was a beloved lady.
Katie Maloney Cirelli
Michael and Kevin and your families I am so sorry for your mothers passing. She and your dad were such a big part of the Maloney family so many good memories . Your mom and dad coming over for cocktails and listening to music and my dad teasing your mom about USC. Sending you guys lots of hugs .
Katie Maloney Cirelli
Mr. John 'Scott' Blonien
We offer our deepest condolences for the passing of your Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Mother -in-law. We know that words of condolences are so inadequate to ease your pain and loss. We wish they could. But know this, Pat was loved and appreciated by all who had the pleasure of knowing and spending time with her. She was funny, smart, witty, principle driven and a great rule model for her family. We will forever remember and cherish the precious moments we spent with her. Pat was at her best with Jerry, together this dynamic duo, displayed their obvious love and appreciation for each other, their family and friends. The voice of Pat telling stories about “Max”. the forgotten McGrath, and Jerry’s witty repartee about the same will always echo in my mind. As we approach our final days, we all want to know that our lives had purpose. I’m certain that Pat was comforted by the appreciation that her ‘purpose’ as a Mother, role model, friend, volunteer was a life well lived. Her best ‘product’ was her children, in whom she will live on. They like her are wonderful people, generous, principled, and exemplify everything she was. This is so despite the fork in the forehead incident, which we regard as aberrational behavior on Micheal’s part. Kevin, Micheal, thank you for sharing your Mother with us. We are so much better for the experience. We love you. Scott and Sal and the rest of the Blonien Clan.
Sandy Bennewitz
I was saddened to learn of the passing of my aunt and godmother. She was such a huge part of my life growing up here in Phoenix. Pat was like a second mother to me and my cousins were like the siblings I never had. My heart is full that Pat will join Jake, Shannon and her Parents in Heaven – together at last. My heart goes out to Mike and Kevin as they have endured such tremendous losses.
I’ve looked for years to locate Kevin, to no avail. I’d love to reconnect with him. Mike, I know, remains a successful attorney in Tucson. Their parents and sister beam down with pride. Mike and Kevin, I’m so very sorry for you loss. You and your families are in my prayers.
Kelli Carter
Mike and Kevin, so sorry to learn the passing of your mom. She was a great lady. She was like a second mom to me when Shannon and I were growing up. I have no words how sad I am of the passing of Shannon and now your mom. Sending much love, light, and hope your find peace in the wonderful memories you share.