Michael P. Magrath

He is survived by his children: Patrick Magrath of San Dimas, CA, Sheila (Sidney) Miranda of Webster Grooves, MO, Bernadette Magrath of St. Louis, MO and Alexander Magrath of St. Louis, MO; Grandchildren, Blake Chadwick, Kennedy Brown, Eric Miranda, Carlie Miranda; two sisters, Patricia Rogers of Broomfield, CO, and Emmeline Shipman of Cheyenne, WY; significant other Judith Mann and former wife Elizabeth Moore.

He is preceded in death by his youngest daughter Dora Magrath; former wife Linda Holtzman and brother Francis Magrath Jr.

Michael P. Magrath was someone who touched so many lives and would do more for others than himself. His community and education work changed lives and the world around us. He worked tirelessly to make the world a better place. He taught those around him what it meant to be a good person and how treating others with dignity and respect, despite our differences, is the most fulfilling thing we can do in our lives. Also, teaching & showing so many important lessons about life, love, kindness, equality and doing the right thing with courage and respect in the presence of adversity.

From being initially planted in St. Louis in the Skinker-Debaliviere neighborhood at a time it was being redlined, he chose to stand behind it and those that lived there. He worked as a Social Worker and community activist within the infamous Pruitt-Igoe apartments, as well as the Laclede Town neighborhood. During the 1970s and 80s he worked tirelessly advocating for justice, equality & housing rights for all in need. Many times, his work was also a family affair, having his kids stand on the front lines of protests that hoped to save the Nina Place area, the Tiffany Neighborhood and many other disenfranchised areas of St Louis, as well as canvasing for the times he ran for Alderman and for the support of other candidates.

From annually marching in the MLK parade, organizing the St Louis group to go to the 1989 “Housing Now!” march in Washington, D.C., and countless locally organizing community meetings. He was always strategizing on how to make a positive difference for others. In 1989 he and family moved to University City where he continued his community justice work. He also made an impact as an instructor in the Master of Education department for National Louis University, on the forefront of teaching teachers on importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.

Living his life for others was no easy task and to survive on those moments that were the toughest, his favorite saying was the Serenity Prayer and he lived by these words every day: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference.

The Memorial Service will be at 2:30 pm Sunday August 30th at CRC (Central Reform Congregation) and can also be viewed at www.centralreform.org/memorial-service/

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to:

Central Reform Congregation, Evelyn's House and the Ashrei Foundation.