Posted June 29, 2017

Sister Mary McGrath, S.S.J. (formerly Sister Marie Ida), died April 15 at St. Joseph Villa, Flourtown, in the 68th year of her religious life.

The daughter of the late James and Ida McGrath, Sister Mary entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1949 from St. Joachim Parish in Philadelphia and professed her final vows in 1952.

Sister Mary served in elementary and high schools in the archdioceses of Philadelphia and Newark, and the Diocese of Harrisburg. After ministering in education, she worked in hospital ministry and parish social ministry.

Later at St. Joseph Villa, Sister Mary ministered as sacristan and as a member of the Pastoral Care Department.

She was the sister of the late John, Edward, James, Joseph, Bernard, Sister Mary Louis, S.S.J. (Ida), Ann Smith and Kathryn Roche. She is survived by nieces, nephews and members of her congregation, the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated April 21 at St. Joseph Villa.