Sharon McGrath

Sharon McGrath passed away peacefully on October 31, 2022, after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Born on December 5, 1944, daughter of Late George and Doris Crocker Wagner. Sharon grew up in Milford until her father George Wagner remarried Gertrude and the family was reunited. A graduate of Ansonia High School class of 1962, Sharon continued her education earning an Associate’s degree from Quinnipiac. In 1966 Sharon married John McGrath, her loving husband of 56 years. Together, they raised their 3 boys and made Seymour their home. Sharon worked in the unemployment office while the boys were in school. She also became a realtor for many years with Rupwani Associates. Always civic minded, she was active in Seymour politics, serving on many boards, even running for First Selectwoman. Celebrating Christmas Eve on Omar Street was legendary. The open house style event welcomed a steady stream of family, friends and neighbors.

Always a lady, Sharon was dressed to the nines with matching shoes and pocketbooks. She was a voracious reader, avid card player and loved to socialize with friends. She was quick to laugh and keep the conversation rolling. Sharon was also a prolific cook - there was no recipe book. She could whip up magic with whatever was leftover in the fridge. She was famous for encouraging everyone to have another helping, stating: “Don’t make me put that away.”

Sharon was an amazing mother and family was everything. She would shuttle the boys to games and practices of every type. But some of the fondest family memories revolved around boats and the water. For many years John trailered boats and Sharon would pack the cooler. Every year the family rented a cottage in Niantic where, for an entire week, there was a continuous flow of kids, friends, family and of course food.

Upon retirement, John and Sharon settled down in the Woodmont section of Milford. Gardening, her lawn and enjoying the birds at her feeder brought her great joy. For many years, they spent their summers here, and winters in Florida. Eventually moving to Barefoot Bay, Florida.

She is survived by her husband John of Barefoot Bay, FL; her sons, J. Patrick McGrath ( Julie) of Wakefield, RI, Brian McGrath (Nicole) of Oxford, Timothy McGrath (Heather)of Chapin, SC; her grandchildren J.P., Brianna, Hannah, Connor, Delaney and K.C.; her brother Raymond Wagner of Milford, CT; sister-in-law, Leola McGrath-Sweitzer of San Francisco, CA; brotherin-law and sister-in-law, Terry and Susan McGrath of Lakewood Ranch, FL; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Wagner. Stepbrother Robert ( Jan) Sellick in Texas; many nieces & nephews; special friends Kay and Nelson Gambacini; and Goddaughter, Alexandra Chermanko Bowsza.

She was predeceased by her parents, George and Doris (Crocker)Wagner; her stepmother, Gertrude Wagner; brother, Jack Wagner; and brother-in-law, Raymond Sweitzer.

Calling Hours will be at Bennett Funeral Home,

91 N. Cliff St., Ansonia on Tuesday, November 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Church of the Assumption at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to: Alzheimer’s Association in care of the Funeral Home.