Phyllis A. (Clifford) McGrath

North Greenbush - Phyllis A. McGrath passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, January 3, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Phyllis was born on January 2, 1933, to Earl and Anna Nash Clifford.

Phyllis was educated in Troy schools and graduated from Catholic Central High School in the class of 1949. She was a lifelong member of St. Michael’s Parish in Troy. Phyllis married the love of her life, James J. (Bud) McGrath Jr., on December 30, 1950.

Phyllis was employed by the New York Telephone Company for several years. After raising four children, she was employed by Boardman LTD, becoming the manager of the jewelry department until the store closed. She was employed by the New York State Department of Transportation in the purchasing unit until she retired in 1995.

Phyllis was a member of the Troy Lodge of Elks, past president of the ladies auxiliary, a member of St. Michael’s Women’s Guild, and the Eastside and Wynantskill seniors groups. During her earlier life, Phyllis was an avid bowler and enjoyed golf and playing bingo, at which she was extremely lucky. She loved to travel and went on many trips, vacations, and cruises with Bud and their friends, including regular trips to Florida in the winter months. She especially loved the time she and her family spent on Lake George with longtime friends, Herb and Jean Sliter and family.

One of Phyllis‘s favorite pastimes was shopping, and she could spend days on end at the mall. In more recent years, Phyllis went on many bus trips with the seniors groups and played bocce with the Troy Elks bocce league.

Phyllis was a wonderful, caring, kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved her family above all else. She also had many special friends who loved her. She spent her life giving to others and bringing happiness to all.

Phyllis is survived by her loving children, Kathleen A. McGrath of North Greenbush; James J McGrath III (Michele Millington) of Wynantskill; Daniel E. McGrath (Sharon) of Wynantskill; and Karen M. Rosman (John) of Rocky Point, NY. Also survived by eight grandchildren, Kelly McGrath; Matthew McGrath (Jessica); Crystal McGrath (Christopher Regan); Andrew McGrath (Stacy); and Melissa, Emily, Katie and Johnny Rosman. Survived by seven great-grandchildren, Ashley and Ryan Wilber; Joseph and Lilly McGrath; and Ella, Lauren and Michael Regan. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was predeceased by her parents; her husband James, to whom she was married for 69 years; her sister Betty Signorelli and husband John Signorelli; and her brother William Clifford (Elaine).

The family would like to thank Dr. Keith Rebehn and Dr. Regina Resta for their many years of excellent care of Phyllis.

Special thanks to her home health aides Marilee Sweet, Helen Mason, Lonna May and Margaret Osterhout, who provided such kind and loving care to Phyllis and became like part of the family.

Friends and relatives are invited to call at St. Michael’s Church, 175 Williams Road, Troy, NY, on Saturday, January 9, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Brunswick Road in Troy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael the Archangel, 175 Williams Rd., Troy, NY 12180.

Please visit www.wynantskillfh.com

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