Kathleen McGrath

On October 26, 2022, Kathleen McGrath died peacefully, thirty-six months after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Kathy was born in Waterbury on March 13, 1950, the oldest child of Marge (Dillon) and Philip McGrath. She was a graduate of the Sacred Heart High School Class of 1968. She earned her undergraduate degree from Stonehill College. She received her Masters Degree and Sixth Year Administrative Certification from Central Connecticut State University. She knew from an early age she wanted to become a teacher.

She began her career as a substitute teacher in Waterbury Schools; primarily at Wilby High School prior to joining the staff of Southington High School’s Language Arts Department. She served as Assistant Department Chairperson and Advisor to the National Honor Society. She was appointed an assistant principal and then became the first woman to be named the Principal of the High School in 2002.

During her tenure, she strived to increase the number and accessibility of Advanced Placement courses, promote diversity activities, and began restructuring the Alternative Education Program now the Karen Smith Academy. She believed her most important contribution was the creation of a Ninth Grade Academy to help successfully transition students to one of the state’s largest high schools.

She strived to be a visible principal. She appreciated the many opportunities she had to be present at school activities, athletic competitions, drama and music productions, and student recognition banquets. She was an active member of the Connecticut Association of Schools serving on several committees including the CAS Board of Directors and Student Activities Board of Directors.

Kathy was an avid Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox fan. She enjoyed traveling both home and abroad with her best friend and favorite travel partner, Dory. Whether driving down the Oregon, cruising the Danube, or walking along Cape Cod beaches, vacations for Kathy were very important. A time to relax and most often learn something new.

Kathy and her family wish to thank the staff of the Smilow Cancer Hospital at St. Francis Hospital for their outstanding care and extraordinary accessibility; her devoted friends in the Boo Club, and all who offered support and prayers as she traversed the course of her disease. A special thanks to two friends who made everything doable, Trish Lilley and Geri Fox who were part of Kathy’s family.

In addition to her parents, Kathy was predeceased by her brother Philip. She is survived by her sister, Dory McGrath of Wethersfield and her brother, John McGrath of Waterbury.

A time of visitation will be held Thursday, November 3, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. Please meet the family directly at the church for her Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield. Burial will be held in Waterbury at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society. For directions or to post a tribute, visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.