Mary Catherine Philomena Moran (nee McGrath), was born April 28, 1934, daughter of the late Michael Thomas McGrath and Margaret McGrath(nee Flavin), in Templeorum, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland, passed on to her eternal rest April 21, 2018, in Naples, FL. “Mary C.” or “Auntie Phil” as she was affectionately known was preceded in death by her adoring husband of 61 years, Joseph, on Feb. 17, 2018.
A multi-talented woman, she played the violin and enjoyed Irish step dancing with her cousins through the rolling Irish hillsides. Mary met Joe, her lifelong sweetheart, at a dance in Manchester, England. She trained at Withington Hospital’s School of Nursing, became a Registered Nurse, and was recruited by Edgewater Hospital in Chicago, IL. They immigrated to the United States in 1956, and wed at St. Gregory’s church January 12, 1957. She forged an American Dream unheard of at the time, working full time as an RN and raising their seven musical children.
Respected as a selfless Irish Catholic she never forgot her heritage or her faith. The epitome of an angel on earth; she helped countless friends and family without hesitation. She shared her youthful spirit and grateful attitude with all fortunate enough to have known her.
Mary’s survivors include six of her seven children: Joseph (Kristen), Thomas, Breda (Peter Kocik), Mary (Errol Mooney), Kieran (Barbara) and Kerry. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Brendan. She is also survived by her brothers Alex (Sheila) and John “Tom”(the late Ann) both residing in Chicago, IL, and brother Nick(the late Peig) and sister, Sister Breda McGrath in Kilkenny and Cork, Ireland, respectively. She was preceded in death by her brothers in Ireland, Jim (Margaret) and Michael (Mary). She was the adoring grandmother to her 14 grandchildren: Thomas "T.J." (Leonore) Moran, Christine (Chris) Sturm, Kaitlyn, Rick and Daniel Moran; Eileen and Breda Moran; Megan and Shannon Mooney; Stingray and Chicago Schuller; Erin and Emma Moran; great-grandmother to Thomas "Tre" Moran, Emma and Hailey Sturm. She was preceded in death by her grandson Joey. Beloved by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in the Chicago area and Ireland, as well as countless friends and former nursing colleagues at Edgewater and Forkosh Hospitals.
Mary C. loved the seaside and spent many relaxing hours at the beach with friends and family. She will be remembered for praying her daily rosary for countless friends near and far away. She had a generous heart, radiant smile and twinkling Irish eyes to top her sunny attitude. Mary’s family invites all friends and relatives to join them to pray that she rests in heavenly peace at a Mass to celebrate her life at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Buffalo Grove, IL, Saturday, May 12, 2018, at 11:00 am.