Ann C McGowan McGrath

Ann Colgan McGowan McGrath, wife, mother, gramma, great-gramma, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and advocate died peacefully on September 22, 2010. Born to Jane Burns McGowan and Walter S. McGowan Sr. in Waterbury Connecticut on February 20, 1923, Ann grew up in Watertown, Connecticut, marrying James R. McGrath Sr. on November 16, 1946, following his return from service in World War II.

They raised their family in Waterbury and at their summer cottage on Bantam Lake in Litchfield County, where Ann hosted memorable gatherings for friends and extended family. Ann moved to her home in Dennis on the Cape in 1985, retiring from a long career in public service.

After graduating valedictorian from Sacred Heart High School, Ann held positions in the First Federal Bank and for six consecutive terms and successful campaigns she served the Honorable John S. Monagan as the administrative assistant in his Connecticut congressional office, where she was known for her efficiency, organizational skills, the ability to get things done and the care and respect she demonstrated for all constituents. She completed her career in federal service and retired as the administrative assistant to the Waterbury postmaster.

Ann loved walks on the beach and a good book was her constant companion. Since coming to the Cape on her honeymoon and returning upon her retirement 25 years ago, she enjoyed golfing with the Dennis Niners, League of Their Own and many wonderful friends. She renewed her interest in playing the piano, gardening and creating her famous lemon meringue pies. Never to sit still for long, Ann's volunteer work included teaching children with disabilities to swim and serving as an officer in several organizations including the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. As a communicant of Holy Trinity Parish, Ann was a member of the Ladies Guild and she ably assisted in the office of the Parish Religious Education program, volunteered in the Family Pantry and was a Rainbow Volunteer. Ann truly lived her faith, prayed the rosary and served the church as a Eucharist Minister. Her rich faith and belief in God's love has been her cornerstone throughout her life and an example to her family. Her gifts of generosity of spirit and a heartfelt smile would brighten the day of all who met her.

Her marriage and children gave her the greatest joy and she is remembered for her sharp wit, sense of humor and insightful one-liners. Ann could whip a party together at a moment's notice, topping the festivities off by dancing the soft shoe as she sang with energetic grandchildren by her side. During 64 years of marriage, she shared travels and many laughs with her husband, James R. McGrath of Dennis, who survives.

Ann was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth Phalen, and a brother, Walter S. McGowan Jr., and leaves sisters Jane Madigan of Bristol, Connecticut, and Margaret McGowan and her husband, Charles Veeley, of Orange, Connecticut. She is also survived by one son and favorite daughter-in-law, James R. McGrath Jr. and Mary Anne Gilland McGrath of Woodbury, Connecticut and Brewster, Massachusetts, three daughters and favorite sons-in-law Nancy and Curtis Woolfrey of Leominster, Massachusetts, Judith and David Adams of Shaftsbury, Vermont, and Deborah and William Riley of Harwich, Massachusetts. She is also lovingly survived by 16 devoted grandchildren, three lively great-grandsons and several very special nieces and nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 25 at Holy Trinity Church, West Harwich at 11:30 a.m. A visitation will proceed Mass at 10 a.m. from the Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 260 Main St., West Harwich. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Family Pantry 133 Queen Rd., Harwich, MA 02675.

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of the Pleasant Bay Nursing Home for their care and support of Ann.