Mary C McGrann

She often told the story of her arrival in to the world. Born at home in Pleasantville, NJ, to Kate & Tom McGrann on December 30, 1929 in the middle of a snowstorm, the doctor having to back up their road to get through the snow. She attended St. Peter’s Catholic School in Pleasantville, and graduated from Holy Spirit High School, class of 1948. Following high school, and before marrying she worked at an insurance agency in Atlantic City, and recalled the glory days of shopping on her lunch breaks, The Gem restaurant for lunch with friends which included lemon meringue pie topped with chocolate ice cream, her favorite, and the trolley rides back and forth.

Mary proud was of her Irish heritage and was blessed to have enjoyed a trip to Ireland to meet and stay with her mother’s cousins. She passed that pride on to her children.

For many years Mary was member of the Surf City Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary raising funds for new fire trucks with many events during the year, and a founder of the famed, as they used to call it, Summer Bazaar. Lifelong friendships were formed from those years in the Auxiliary. In later years Mary was an active member of the Brighton at Barnegat Social Club.

After raising her children Mary started her career at Southern Regional High School and was lovingly know as “Main Office Mary”. Mary was an administrative secretary to a few of the high school’s vice principals during her 30 years at Southern. When Mary retired it wasn’t long before she was back substituting in the main office, the child study team office or wherever needed.

One of the many joys of Mary’s life was having a houseful of family during the summer months at her home in Surf City. Imagine a week with 4 adults, 7 children and 3 of her own and all the food it took to feed everyone! Nothing was missed, days at the beach with tomato sandwiches for all, fried shrimp dinners and always a trip to the boardwalk. Memories were made that live on.

Mary was always ready for a road trip and many times referred to herself as a “car ass”. She took many trips over the years to Colorado, New England, Hawaii. One of her favorite was heading to Vermont with a car packed full of goodies whether it be Christmas gifts or just a few fun gifts for all, spending the snowy holiday with family was special to her.

Her love of books was evident even to her last days. A good murder mystery would keep her awake until the wee hours. A historical novel could unleash stories of her own memories during WWII as a young girl. Her love of history and her patriotism developed in those formative years.

Mary lives on in her children Mary Shappell (Hughes), Vermont, Frank McGrann, Manahawkin and Lee Hughes., Arizona. Her cherished grandchildren Kate Collins and her husband Tim, Erin Sourdiff and her husband Collin, Connor McGrann and her precious great grandchildren Oliva and Lucas Collins, Nicco and Taylor Sourdiff. She also leaves many dear nieces and nephews, friends and her dearest friend Jeanne Brown.

Mary was predeceased by her parents Kathryn C. McGrann (Murphy) and her father Thomas J. McGrann, her beloved brother Thomas J. McGrann, her brother Francis McGrann, her beloved sister Catherine M. Streeter and her son-in-law Bob Shappell.

Mary’s family would like to thank her neighbors for their caring and help over the last few years. Also Jamie Marrinoti for the compassionate and loving care she received at home over the last few years.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Mary’s life will be held November 9, 2024 at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Pines 100 Bishop Lane Manahawkin, NJ. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Mary’s name to “Ken’s Kitchen” c/o St. Mary’s Parish 747 West bay Ave. Barnegat, NJ 08005

To leave online condolences and fond memories of Mary for the family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com

Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr. Manahawkin, NJ was entrusted with the arrangements.