Funeral Arrangements for Mary Frances McGrath

In Memory of Mary Frances McGrath

Our Lady of Fatima mourns the death of our beloved parishioner and former parish staff member, Mary Frances McGrath, who passed away on August 17, 2026, at the age of 82.

Mary’s faith and service were a meaningful part of our parish community. She worked in the parish office, a position she found deeply fulfilling, and generously served through Faith Formation, the quilting ministry, Comfort Food, as a lector, and by making sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness.

We are grateful for the many ways she shared her time, talents, and faith with our parish family.

Funeral Arrangements

Mary’s family and our parish community invite you to join us in prayer and remembrance:

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

• Receiving of Friends: 10:00–11:00 a.m. in the narthex
• Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. in the main church
• Location: Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church
  858 Louisville Road, Alcoa, TN 37701

A luncheon will follow the funeral mass in the Social Hall. All are welcome to attend and support Mary’s family.

For those unable to attend in person, the funeral mass will be available through our parish livestream.

Obituary

Mary was born on April 7, 1944, in Burlington, Vermont, to Wilfred and Winifred Blow. She graduated from Burlington High School and attended the Community College of Vermont.

Mary married Patrick Henry McGrath on January 19, 1963. Together for more than 50 years, they raised three sons and owned and operated McGrath’s Market in Williston, Vermont. After their sons were grown, Mary and Patrick lived for a time in Florida before settling in Maryville, a community they came to love.

Throughout her life, Mary worked in childcare, retail, manufacturing, customer service, and administration. Her final and most rewarding professional role was in the offices of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, where she was able to unite her work with the Catholic faith that shaped her life.

Mary was an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and a gifted seamstress. Her sewing ranged from Vacation Bible School costumes to wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses for members of her family. She will be remembered for her resilience, adventurous spirit, practical wisdom, generosity, and deep faith.

Mary is survived by her sons, Patrick and his wife, Penny; Shawn and his wife, Kimberley; and Brennan and his wife, Beth; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her brother, Michael Blow, and his wife, Donna; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Henry McGrath; her parents; her brothers, Thomas and Robert Blow; and her sister-in-law, Betsy Blow.

The complete family obituary is available through Smith Funeral and Cremation Service.

Please pray for the repose of Mary’s soul and for the consolation of her family and all who loved her.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.
Amen.