Arleen McGrath Heiss

Arleen McGrath Heiss, of Washington, DC, passed away suddenly on January 25, 2025. She was born in Manhattan in 1948 to Margaret (Rusty) and Tom McGrath and raised in Port Washington, NY. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College, in South Hadley, MA, and earned a Master of Public Administration from American University in Washington, DC. In 1971, she married Robert "Bob" Heiss, later a senior lawyer in federal government service.

Arleen worked as a management consultant at Arthur Young and Company and its successor, Ernest & Young. She retired in 2003 and started her own consulting practice, primarily working with the National Institutes of Health. Her work continued until the time of her death.

Arleen had a deep devotion to her alma mater, Mount Holyoke College, where she actively participated in the Alumnae Association and served a term as an Alumnae Trustee. At the time of her death, she served as president of Charter 100 (a women's professional organization), and as a member of the Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church parish council and other organizations.

Arleen is remembered for her sharp mind and quick Irish wit. She was a stylish dresser, friend and counselor to many, gracious hostess, and unofficial matriarch of the Gorman family, her mother’s Irish clan. Above all, she was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her beloved husband Bob; brother Thomas "Tom" J. McGrath III of Miami Lakes, FL; children Dr. Brian Heiss (Sarah Myksin) of Washington, DC and Deirdre Heiss Densen (Dan) of Jersey City, NJ; and three grandchildren: Alexander Steven Heiss, Elle Heiss Densen, and Ava Heiss Densen.

A funeral visitation will be held on Friday, January 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The Funeral Mass will be Saturday, February 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 4835 MacArthur Blvd. NW. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church or other meaningful charitable cause.

Interment will be at Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, New York.