Patty Mcgrath

Patricia McGrath left us and journeyed with her beloved angels to the Lord on Monday January 17th, 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her husband Kev and her best friend of many years, Donna held her hand as she quietly and peacefully left this world for her next big production in Heaven. Patty was born September 15, 1955, in New York City, NY. She was the fourth child of Kathleen and Peter McGrath. Patty was the only red head in the family, and they knew early on that Patty would be a unique free-spirited woman who would have a flair for the dramatic and bring her special brand of humor to those lives she touched. Patty attended St. Killian's Catholic School in Farmingdale, NY. In 1964 her family moved here to Las Cruces where she attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School. Being the new girl at school Patty captured center stage by singing "Chiquita Banana" which resulted in a lifelong friendship with Donna Hatch. She also attended Lynn Junior High School and graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1973. At LCHS she was active in the thespian club and performed in several plays, winning the "Ides of March" award for best actress. She continued to be active in Community Theater in later years. Patty started work at Farm Bureau Insurance in 1973. Farm Bureau was an integral part of her life and during her tenure she was influenced by and had an impact on many, many colleagues. Most recently, Patty served as District Claims Manager and enjoyed traveling to many locations across the country. Patty was also the unofficial actress at company functions and in her spare time would also be known as "Queen Kamayamaya" or "Mildred" or could be found performing various skits. In 1983, Patty's son Chris entered her life and he will be her pride and joy forever. On his first day of kindergarten, Chris eagerly skipped into his classroom while Patty had to be escorted out of the building and sent on her way. She soon got over that trauma and she and Chris traveled through life together and during her illness, he was a tremendous source of love, support, and encouragement to her. In 1999 Patty met the love of her life. True to Patty's style, she won the heart of a man halfway around the world. After a long-distance relationship her Aussie came to America and they became man and wife on August 21, 2001. Patty and Kev packed a lot of life into their three years together. He saw his bride through the darkest hours of her life and he was gifted with her beautiful smile and loving spirit in return. Patty is survived by her husband Kev Cranitch; son Chris Siler; stepdaughter Jo Ann Carlton; her mother Kay McGrath; brother Pete McGrath and his wife Darlina; brother Kevin McGrath; sister Kathy Gonzales and her husband Hubert; sister Sharon Wagner and her husband Floyd; niece Debbie Tellez and her husband Steve; niece Laurie Gonzales and her husband Mario Muniz; nieces Mandy McGrath and Abbey Wagner; nephews Michael Gonzales and Jack Wagner; grandnephews Nick, Jacob, and Zack Tellez. Patty was preceded in death by her father Peter McGrath. Patty was also gifted with many, many friends who will miss her unrivaled sense of humor. She appreciated and felt very blessed by the love and support that was shown by so many people throughout her illness. At Patty's request cremation has taken place and a Prayer Vigil will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. with a memorial Funeral Liturgy following on Thursday, January 20, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. Both services will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Martin Cordero officiating. The family prefers that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Albuquerque Office District N., 10501 Montgomery Blvd NE, Ste. 300, Albuquerque, NM 87111 or log on to www.cancer.org to make online donations. PDF Printable Version