Mary Agnes McGrail

Beloved by all who came to know and love her, Mary Agnes McGrail touched the hearts of others, and their lives were never the same. Devoted and dedicated to her faith and those around her, Mary Agnes' encouragement and love was unending. She lived by example, and knew what was important in life. To Mary Agnes, there was nothing more valuable or more rewarding than giving all you can possibly give of yourself to your family and faith.

America came of age during the decade of the 1910s. Movie greats and musicals were all the rage while baseball continued to be loved by all. The average yearly income rose to $1003 in 1912 at a time when news of the day was the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Mary Agnes' story began on June 9, 1912 in the heat of a warm Michigan summer. Born in the Michigan city of Kalamazoo, her birth was a welcome addition in the lives of her parents, William and Agnes (Grant) McGrail

The second of three children, Mary Agnes grew up with her brothers, Charles and William. Devout to their Catholic faith, Mary Agnes and her family faithfully attended and served their church. Having enjoyed a typical childhood for the times, Mary Agnes attended the local Catholic schools. During her youth, the Great Depression cast an economic shadow among all which created hardships the world over. Her family eventually settled in the city of Detroit where she graduated from Visitation High School in 1930.

Mary Agnes went on to further her studies. She earned her B.A. from Nazareth College and her M.A. from the University of Michigan. After returning to Kalamazoo, Mary Agnes took a position supervising nursery schools for seven years before becoming a school social worker with Kalamazoo Public Schools. She absolutely loved children, and her career as a social worker working with troubled kids suited her well. For 30 years, she gave from the heart, shared her talents and worked endlessly to be a beacon of light and hope. As her many nieces and nephews can attest, Mary Agnes made sure they spoke using correct English and made certain they became literate. At gift giving time, she always gave them subscriptions to National Geographic.

Close to her family and friends, Mary Agnes was very involved with these special people in her life. She loved getting together with them, especially during their annual holiday parties and dinners. Everyone loved her quick wit, and although she usually kept her opinions to herself, she wasn't shy about letting her feelings be known on occasion.

Mary Agnes delighted in nature and beautiful, blooming flowers. She loved her canine companion, a black cocker spaniel who rarely left her side. She dabbled with writing, and quite talented, she could put her thoughts onto paper quite beautifully. Mary Agnes also loved leprechauns. Having been raised from spirited Irish stock, she was very proud of her heritage and was, as they say, very Irish. She only drank real Irish coffee, using only the finest Jamison and prepared in the correct manner. Throughout the years, Mary Agnes made a total of 14 trips to Ireland, and loved every minute of it. She was 80 years old at the time of her last trip there.

Photography was a well loved and appreciated hobby of Mary Agnes'. She took her talent seriously, creating slides and became so good in her use of black and white she could have taught a class. Over the years she made presentations, and did several travel log series, many of which included her trips to Ireland. In later years when she went on to live at Friendship Village she did slide presentations for the other residents there every St. Patrick's Day, her favorite day of the year.

Mary Agnes was a big sports fan, and loved her Detroit Tigers. As a young girl she was a good friend and corresponded with Connie Mack who was the manager and owner of Philadelphia Athletics. In her teen years they corresponded, and every time Philly was playing in Detroit, he sent her tickets which she appreciated, even if she had to sit behind the Philly team! Her 100th birthday was made even more special during a Tigers game. As they were announcing her good fortune, Prince Fielder was up and hit a home run. One of her most prized possessions was a signed baseball after the game from Prince Fielder wishing her a happy 100th birthday. Mary Agnes also knew the Harbaugh family. When Jack was coaching at WMU, his wife, Jackie and Mary Agnes collaborated on many projects and committees at St. Thomas More Parish. The two became very close and they remained close for many years to come.

After retiring in 1977, Mary Agnes became very active volunteering at St. Augustine Cathedral and over the years shared close friendships with many priests in the diocese. She sponsored a number of aspiring priests in the seminary through a program provided by St. Joseph Catholic Church. One of her first sponsorships held a close place in her heart. Now known as, Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Lodwar, Kenya and Mary Agnes shared a relationship quite similar to that of a mother and son. She always considered her sponsorships one of the most significant religious experiences in her life. She also sponsored Aquinas College lectures in Theology. She gave back to her church and was always involved in parish activities. She also became closely involved at St. Thomas More and developed many friendships with that congregation. Mary Agnes never ceased in giving her time and talents where they could be best utilized. With her caring heart, Mary Agnes also served as a volunteer for the blind. Throughout her long life, she was deeply grateful to God for his many blessings.

After years living on her own, Mary Agnes' needs began to change. The years were good to her, but she decided it was time for the next chapter of her life. She moved into Friendship Village and over the 17 years she lived there, became an ever present fixture in the lives of the residents and staff there. Along with her love for shrimp, Mary Agnes also loved her peppermint ice cream and made sure Friendship Village served it. Her hearing remained exceptionally good, and she never missed a thing. Mary Agnes continued to enjoy her family's annual Christmas parties. She loved how these gatherings brought so many together. Held at Friendship Village, the last gathering was for her 100th birthday and they had approximately 100 people in attendance!

Mary Agnes' family appreciated her long life and celebrated it accordingly. On her 90th birthday, her nieces began a tradition that lasted over ten years. On the ninth of each month they sent flowers to their beloved Mary Agnes. She always looked forward to these special deliveries and recorded each one by way of photograph.

Devoted to her faith, Mary Agnes McGrail was a caring and loving woman. She took others into her heart and prayed for those she held dear. Following her 100th birthday, Mary Agnes was more than ready to be called home. Throughout her 102 years, she experienced much and delighted in the many ways her life was enriched. She led a rewarding life, and felt blessed to have had good parents to raise and love her, brothers who respected her, wonderful nieces and nephews who thought so much of her, the special relationship she had with Bishop Dominic and friends to share life's joys. Fondly remembered, Mary Agnes will be deeply missed.

Mary Agnes McGrail, age 102, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully at her home in Friendship Village on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 with family members at her side. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Charles and William McGrail; nephews: Charles Jr. and William Jr; and a niece, Mary Alice Vitale. Surviving are nieces: Catherine De Hart, Ellen (John) Kesteris, Sarah Mills, Patricia (John) Mott, Sr. Kathleen McGrail O.P., Maureen McGrail; nephews: Michael (Renee) McGrail, James (Sharon) McGrail, Dennis (Ada) McGrail, John McGrail and Tom (Jan) McGrail. She was also grateful for her “spiritual” sons: Bishop Dominic Kimengich and Fr. Laurence Mbogo, both of Kenya, whom she sponsored in their seminary years. Visit with Mary Agnes' family and friends while sharing food and refreshments on Wednesday, 4-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler–Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Dr. where a Prayer Service will be held at 6:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday, 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial in the church hall. Please visit Mary Agnes’s personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Nazareth Association, Bishop Dominic Ministry C/O St. Joseph Church, Sisters of St. Joseph or Friendship Village Employee Fund.