Mary Lou McGrath, age 87, of 208 South 17th St. in Escanaba, passed away Monday, June 5, 2017 at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born on June 22, 1929 in Escanaba, the youngest daughter of ten siblings to Edward and Edna (Hazen) Ryan. Mary Lou grew up in Escanaba and graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School. Over the years, she worked at Sviland’s Paint Store, Mead Paper, and also the Michigan Bell Telephone Company. On May 10, 1958, the former Mary Lou Ryan married Maurice “Mike” McGrath at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Escanaba and he preceded her in death on March 13, 1977. The couple shared 18 years of marriage together and raised one son, Dan. The family lived in California while Mike was in the Merchant Marines. While living there, Mary Lou also worked as a telephone operator. In 1969, they returned to Escanaba and she continued with her career at the Michigan Bell Telephone Company until her retirement. Mary Lou was a caregiver to everyone she met. Family meant everything to her and was such a kind and generous person. She was a jack of all trades and always had a special place in her heart for dogs. Mary Lou was always on the go and loved to travel, enjoyed bowling, golfing, and pressing her luck at gambling. She loved her mini Hershey bars also made excellent homemade candy, often giving them to family and friends. Mary Lou made an impact on so many lives and will be deeply missed.

Mary Lou McGrath is survived by one son, Dan (Yueqiu Hou) McGrath of Milwaukee, WI; grandson, Jeremiah (Stephanie Weiland) Brannan of Topeka, KS; sister, Ar (Kermit) Johnson of Escanaba; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary Lou was preceded in death by siblings, Herbert Ryan, Margaret Peterson, John Ryan, Edward Ryan, Eleanor Schultz, Frank Ryan, Jean Brandt, and Don Ryan.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Mary Lou will follow at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Father Fran DeGroot officiating. Refreshments will be served afterward in the Anderson Funeral Home fellowship area. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. 

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