Margaret McGrady

Margaret McGrady passed away peacefully on Jan. 6, 2023, at her home in Gillespie.

Margaret Isabelle Bee was born in Farina, on Jan. 24, 1925, to Charles and Agnes (Crooker) Bee. She grew up in Alma.

She attended the University of Illinois, where she studied piano and voice. As a freshman, she was the accompanist for the U of I Mens’ Glee Club. It was at the U of I that she met Denis McGrady, her husband of 63 years. They were married on April 26, 1944, and settled in Gillespie.

Margaret was the organist and choir director at the Gillespie United Methodist Church and accompanied Gillespie High School music students at contest. She was an active member of the Canna Annas, a civic women’s group, and sang in their annual Follies productions. She was proud of her heritage and community, being one of the founders of the Macoupin County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Margaret and Denis loved traveling with friends and family, many of whom would join them on their trek to Tucson every winter. She also joined her sister, Barbara, at rug camp in West Virginia, where she made beautiful rugs and wall hangings. She spent many hours needlepointing while watching her beloved Cardinals.

She is survived by her children, Denis McGrady, Jr., Connie (Ken) Page, Michal (Brian) McPheters, Doug (Patty) McGrady, Charlie McGrady, Barbara (Rich) Mathenia, Margaret (Mark) Enlow, Murray (Becky) McGrady, Brian (Joyce) McGrady; 22 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; daughter-in-law and best friend Saundra Popovich.

Arrangements are being made by the Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie.

A private family gathering will be held later.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Partnership for Educational Excellence at Gillespie High School.

Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at kravanyafuneral.com