Obituary of Theresa R. McGrath

Theresa R. McGrath, of Florida, NY, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 13th.  She was 91 years old.

The daughter of John Lempka and Rose Heter Lempka, she was born on June 11, 1926. 

She was the widow of John McGrath.  They were married for more than 50 years.

She enjoyed baking, house-cleaning and gardening.  She was a devoted and caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She never lacked words to express how proud she was of each member of her family.  She will be missed by all who knew her and loved her.

She is survived by her four daughters and their spouses:  Susan Burns (Dan) of Murrells Inlet,  SC;  JoAnn Dagele (Frank); Rita McInerney (Tim); and Michele Markey (Gregg) of Myrtle Beach, SC.  She often would say that her “girls” were her life.

Also by her six grandchildren:  Katie Caswell (Scott); Michael Kuszek (Alexis); Christopher Dagele (Alexa); Ellen Martin (Michael); and Amanda and Justin Markey.  She was Great Nannie to Madelyn Grace Kuszek and Max Martin.

She is also survived by her sisters:  Rose Bono; Rita Glebocki; and Joan Komsa (Albert); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Theresa was a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Church in Florida, NY where she was a long-time member of the St. Joseph’s Living Rosary Society and church choir.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16th from 4pm to 8pm at the T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921, with a rosary service at 5pm.  A funeral mass will be held at 10am on Saturday, February 17th at St. Joseph’s Church in Florida, NY. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Florida, NY.

The family would like to thank Mom’s amazing caregivers:  Brittany, Kelly, Rhonda and Gail who took such excellent care of mom over the last five months. Mom always said how much she loved all of you and referred to you as her sweethearts.  Thank you also to Dr. Alexander Fruchtor and staff, as well as the nurses and staff of Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties for their compassionate care and spiritual comfort (especially nurse JoAnn).

Those who desire may make memorial donations in memory of Theresa to St. Joseph’s Church Restoration Fund, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY  10921, or to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.