Marie Elizabeth McGrath, aged 96, of Woodhaven Lakes in Sublette, IL, formally of Woodridge, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by her surviving children on August 4, 2026. She was born in Brookfield, IL on April 17, 1930.

After graduating from Riverside-Brookfield High School in 1948, she began her work career as a secretary at Commonwealth Edison in Chicago. After marrying Joseph Kentlow McGrath in 1957, she became a homemaker raising her four children. She reentered the workforce as a secretary to the Dean of Student Services at Illinois Benedictine College, now know as Benedictine University. After her retirement, they sold the house and made Woodhaven their permanent residence. They bought a motorhome and traveled the country. They became Snowbirds and spent their summers at Woodhaven and winters in Mission, TX.

Marie was avid swimmer, walker and line dancer into her 90’s. She taught line dancing here at Woodhaven for many years and also in Texas. She never met a stranger and loved her family and friends with all her heart. She was a sweet soul, unless you played cards with her, then her fierce competitive side came out! No one was immune or favored while playing cards. She came by that naturally from her parents.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph McGrath; her son Paul McGrath; her brother Herman Kraft; and her parents Caroline (Herman) Kraft. She is survived by her son John (Debbie) McGrath; son David (Darlene) McGrath; daughter Rosemarie (Kevin) Johnson; and her daughter-in-law Gina and their son Devin. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Her wishes were to be cremated with a private interment. A celebration of life/memorial service will be scheduled on a date to be determined this fall. Donations in her name can made to your favorite charity in her honor.