Re: Margaret d/o Jeremiah Cronin w/o George McGrath
-
In reply to:
Margaret d/o Jeremiah Cronin w/o George McGrath
Chris Thomas 7/18/08
Hi Chris,
My name is Walter Burke.At age 72 I'm long in the tooth but wise in the ways of the Family McGrath.As a present to future Burke/McGrath/Sullivan/Cronin/Powers generations, I'm in the beginning stages of compiling genealogical records of the various families.
I begin at the beginning.In 1957, while a 2nd semester junior at Providence College, I met Elizabeth Ann McGrath, then a 1st year student at Archbishop Cushing College in Massachusetts.We dated, fell in love, and eventually were married at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church in West Newbury, MA on August 15, 1959.
Elizabeth, called "Betty", was one of 3 daughters born to George McGrath (born Oct 1, 1909 in West Newbury, died May 25, 1985 in West Newbury, MA) and Margaret McGrath (nee Cronin)(born Sep 11, 1911 in Newburyport, MA, died April 16, 1994 in West Newbury, MA).The other 2 daughters were Mary Margaret McGrath (born Nov 18, 1943) and Kathleen Frances McGrath (born May 7, 1947).
Chris, I'm certain the "My Margaret" to whom your refer is Margaret Cronin McGrath.She had a long and wonderful life, surrounded by a loving family.Her daughters, Mary and Kathleen, are alive and well, living in Groveland, MA.They are each married with equally wonderful children and grandchildren.I'm sure they would love to hear from you.If interested, please email me and I will facilitate the cyber get-together.
The other daughter, Betty, to whom I was married for 38+ years, passed away at the too young age of 58 on Sep 29, 1997 (brain cancer).Betty and I have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.Betty spent the last 20 years of her life as a nurse at The Canterbury School in New Milford, CT.The School now awards a scholarship in her name.She was a remarkable lady.
Before closing I should mention that there is a relationship between the McGraths of West Newbury and the Sullivans, also of West Newbury.Indeed, to this day only a field separates the family homesteads.The children of Austin Sullivan are alive and well.Austin Sullivan and George McGrath are 1st cousins.I'm certain Austin's children would love to hear from you.
I mention the Sullivans because on another web site you made mention of that family.
Hoping this missive reaches you and looking forward to a response, I am
Walter Burke