Obituary of Susan Nancy McGrath
Susan Nancy McGrath (née Ferri), beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully, just shy of her 101st birthday on April 15, 2025. Born Assunta Annunziata Ferri on May 14, 1924, in Greenwich Village, New York City, Susan was the cherished daughter of Cosimo and Genoveffa Ferri, who emigrated from southern Italy in the early 1900s.
Susan’s early years were spent in Greenwich Village on Bedford Street before her family settled in North Plainfield, New Jersey. She graduated from North Plainfield High School in 1942. Following graduation, Susan worked at the Bakelite Factory in Bound Brook, performing important clerical work. Her passion for fashion led her to attend the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City during evenings and weekends, where she designed and made many of her own stylish dresses.
Music played a central role throughout Susan’s life. In the 1940s, she and her sister, Nancy, delighted listeners by performing on the local radio station WCTC in New Brunswick and at local clubs, accompanied by their brother Romolo on piano. Growing up surrounded by music, Susan was influenced greatly by her father, who performed operas across Italy and the United States. Her uncles Tommy and Joe Felline were jazz musicians and performed with the big bands of the 1920’s, 1930’s and 1940’s.
In 1949, Susan met the love of her life, Kenneth McGrath, and they married in 1950. Together, they settled in Plainfield, New Jersey, where they lovingly raised their six children. The McGraths were dedicated and active members of St. Mary’s Church. In 1968, the family moved to Berkeley Heights and joined Little Flower Church, where Susan served devotedly as a Eucharistic minister and was an active member of the Rosary Society and Social Concerns Committee.
Susan was also a valued employee at the Berkeley Heights Library, serving as a reference assistant from 1969 until her retirement in 1987. She had a deep love for books, particularly enjoying Zane Grey novels. Susan also loved gardening, watching Turner Classic Movies, and spending cherished summers with family in Lavallette, NJ. Above all, Susan treasured every moment spent with her family.
Susan was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Kenneth McGrath, her parents, and her siblings Nancy, Romolo, Manny and Raymond. She leaves behind her loving children: Kevin (Barbara) McGrath of Exeter, NH; Kitty (Steve) Stark of Jackson, NJ; Karen (Wendy Way) McGrath of West Trenton, NJ; Timothy (Christine) McGrath of Glenmont, NY; Michael McGrath of New York, NY; and Maryann (David) Mahood of Beverly, MA. She was a cherished grandmother to nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom adored her deeply.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Little Flower Catholic Church in Berkeley Heights, NJ. The interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Watchung.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to McAuley Hall Healthcare Center at 1633 US Highway 22 West, Watchung, NJ 07069
Susan’s vibrant spirit, enduring warmth, and unwavering love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
