Margaret McGrady
Gillespie | Friday, January 6 2023 |
Margaret McGrady passed away peacefully on January 6, 2023, at her beloved home in Gillespie, Illinois.
Margaret Isabelle Bee was born in Farina, Illinois on January 24, 1925, to Charles and Agnes (Crooker) Bee. She grew up in Alma, Illinois.
She attended the University of Illinois, where she studied piano and voice. As a freshman, she was the accompanist for the U of I Mens’ Glee Club. It was at Illinois that she met Denis McGrady, her husband of 63 years. They were married on April 26, 1944, and settled in Gillespie, where they raised their nine children: Denis McGrady, Jr., Connie (Ken) Page, Michal (Brian) McPheters, Doug (Patty) McGrady, Charlie McGrady, Barbara (Rich) Mathenia, Margaret (Mark) Enlow, Murray (Becky) McGrady, Brian (Joyce) McGrady. There are 22 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Margaret had a wonderful relationship with her daughter-in-law and best friend Saundra Popovich. At last count, the family includes 66 1/2 people! But a family gathering at McGradyland would always include many friends of all generations.
Margaret shared her considerable musical talents with her community. She was the organist and choir director at the Gillespie United Methodist Church and accompanied Gillespie High School music students at contest. She was an active member of the Canna Annas, a civic women’s group, and sang in their annual Follies productions. She was proud of her heritage and community, being one of the founders of the Macoupin County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Margaret loved her home, especially her yard, which she transformed over the years into a welcoming setting for countless parties and family weddings. She and Denis particularly enjoyed visits by the horticulture classes from the high school who would come to study the trees.
Margaret and Denis loved traveling with friends and family, many of whom would join them on their trek to Tucson every winter. She also joined her sister, Barbara, at rug camp in West Virginia, where she made beautiful rugs and wall hangings. She spent many hours needlepointing while watching her beloved Cardinals.
Arrangements are being made by the Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie. A private family gathering will be held later. Memorial contributions may be made to the Partnership for Educational Excellence at Gillespie High School. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com.
Kravanya Funeral Home
