Obituary of Kathleen C. McGrath

Kathleen C. McGrath (Crummy), age 85, passed away peacefully on September 30th. Born on December 12, 1939, in Newark, NJ, Kathleen was a long-time resident of Madison, NJ, and previously lived in Short Hills and Summit, NJ. She was the beloved daughter of Kathleen Higgins Crummy and Andrew B. Crummy. Kathleen earned her bachelor's degree from Manhattanville College. Kathleen was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was married to Joseph P. McGrath, father of her four children, who predeceased her. She was later married to Leo Fornero, who predeceased her.

Kathleen's most treasured titles were Mom, Gram, and Gigi. Her children and grandchildren will forever cherish the countless birthday celebrations and holiday gatherings she hosted, creating everlasting memories and traditions. She took great joy in following the interests of her grandchildren from sports games and performances to trips to the candy store and petting zoo. She was an incredible "Gigi" to her four great-grandchildren, picking out fun toys and outfits for each visit. She was a loyal friend and a true matriarch of the family, always having the perfect card for birthdays, bringing a beloved recipe to a party, and keeping up with the latest news and sports scores.

She is survived by her children, Joseph P. McGrath Jr. (Christine) of Summit, NJ, Sheila McGrath Beljan (Marc) of Summit, NJ, Brian T. McGrath (Stephanie) of Springfield, NJ, and Colleen M. McGrath of Lambertville, NJ. Kathleen was a proud grandmother to Sarah M. Bloom (Jack), Joseph P. McGrath III (Rachel), Patrick M. Beljan, Kimberly A. McGrath, Bridget K. Beljan, Casey E. McGrath, Kevin A. Beljan, and Timothy J. McGrath and a loving great-grandmother to Claire K. Bloom, Hallie A. McGrath, Declan B. McGrath and Jane C. Bloom.

Kathleen was a dedicated member of the Junior League of Oranges and Short Hills, the Ladies Auxiliary of St. Rose of Lima Church, and a long-time volunteer for the Overlook Hospice program.

She was predeceased by her siblings, James L. Crummy, Andrew B. Crummy, Richard H. Crummy, Mary Jane Purcell, and Charles S. Crummy. Kathleen is also survived by her sister-in-law, Maureen McGrath Mathewson.

Kathleen's legacy of love, family, and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to St. Rose of Lima Church "Food Insecurities Ministry" 50 Short Hills Ave, Short Hills, NJ 07078 or Community Food Bank Of NJ, 31 Evans Terminal, Hillside, NJ 07205, or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Ave, Short Hills on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 10:30 AM.

For more information or to send condolences please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com