Katherine S. (Sykas) McGrath

Katherine (Sykas) McGrath, 91, passed away June 1, 2018 at home. Born in Barre, Vermont on December 18, 1926 to the late John G. and Mary A. (Fafonti) Sykas, she had lived in Indian Orchard and most recently resided in Wilbraham. Kay married John J. McGrath Jr in Springfield on January 6, 1951 and they enjoyed 45 years of marriage before his passing in November 1996. She worked for many years at The D’Amour Library at Western New England University in Springfield.

Kay’s greatest happiness and strength came from her family and friends.  She was a logophile who truly enjoyed a challenging crossword puzzle or playing online word games with anyone who wanted to play.  Kay found great pleasure in her garden, swimming, sharing time with her friends and her cat Mookie. 

She is survived by her children: Edward J. McGrath and his wife Michele of Hingham MA, James M. McGrath and his wife Elizabeth of Indian Orchard MA, Mary McGrath Corriveau and her husband James of Watertown NY and Elaine M. McGrath and her partner Francis Santaniello of East Longmeadow MA; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; a brother, George J. Sykas and his wife Mary “Bobbie” of Ludlow MA; her sisters-in-law: Debbie Sykas of Cincinnati OH and Carmela Guerriero of Hanover MA and an incredible family of loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Anthony J. Sykas and a sister-in-law, Helen Sykas.

Calling Hours will be held on Monday, June 4, 2018 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Springfield followed by a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. The family will hold a private scattering of ashes at the Springfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Kay’s philanthropic nature, the family asks that you make a donation to the D’Amour Library, c/o Western New England University, Advancement Division, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield MA 01119.

For further details or to express online condolences, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Katherine S. (Sykas) McGrath, please visit our Tree Store.