Marian Michele McGrath was born January 18, 1950 in Sedalia Missouri to the late John Joseph and Mary Catherine (nee Redmond) McGrath. She is survived by her husband Rick Cusick of Saint Louis, MO; three sisters Kathe Dunlop of Kirkwood, MO, Pam McGrath of Sedalia, MO and Teresa Aldrich of Sedalia, MO. She is further survived by two nieces, Allison Dunlop Saunders of Kansas City, MO and Sarah von Pollaro of Silver Spring MD, one nephew Jason Barr of Jefferson City MO and one grandnephew Theo von Pollaro of Silver Springs MD.
She was educated in the Sacred Heart Schools of Sedalia, MO for 12 years. She received her Associates and BA degrees from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, her Masters degree from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis and her Ph.D. from Saint Louis University.
She began her career as an Academic Advisor at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis in 1972, working her way up to various positions including Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean of the School of Education before leaving after 14 years to establish a private practice.
Dr. McGrath worked initially as a Clinical Psychologist in hospital settings and eventually in practice for 35 years. She also worked concurrently and into retirement for an order of Catholic priests. In 2017 the Order honored her for her years of service by inducting her into the Order as a lay Oblate. In addition to the privilege of serving these men, she considered this the honor of her life.
She died after a long struggle with cancer, with her husband, and beloved support dog, Dickens at her side.
She especially would like to thank all of the wonderful staff at Barnes for doing such a heroic job of keeping her alive all those years and against all odds.
Private services were held.
Honoring Dr, McGrath’s life contributions are encouraged to Siteman Cancer Center, the Servants of the Paraclete or Animal Protective Association.
