Barbara McGrath

1947 - 2013

Barbara Pintavalle McGrath of Coral Cables Florida, died on February 7, 2013 at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami Florida after a long illness. She was 66 years old. Born on January 11, 1947, Barbara was the daughter of Robert and Irene Pintavalle, formerly of West Hartford, Connecticut. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald McGrath, her father, Robert Pintavalle, and her sister Nancy Bornas. She leaves behind her mother, Irene Pintavalle of Newington, her sister Better Malsick of Madison Alabama, and several nieces and nephews, Michael Malsick, Christopher Bornas, Stephanie Bornas, and 3 great nieces and nephews. Barbara attended school in West Hartford and graduated from Central Connecticut State College where she went on to complete her Masters Degree in education. She lead a fascinating and exciting life, spending time living in New York City, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C. before finally settling down in Florida. Barbara worked for the U.S. Department of Justice as an investigator for the Drug Enforcement Administration. She was transferred to Florida where she earned the postion of supervisor during which she oversaw most of the Florida DEA field offices. She had many employees and was well liked by all, both professionally and personally. She received several awards and accolades during her 30+ year career with the DEA and was instrumental in several large drug interventions. Barbara was also very active in her church. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Coral Gables where she sang in the choir for several years. She also volunteered her time feeding the homeless on holidays, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. She regularly attended bible study groups and would drive others to group sessions whenever needed. She also volunteered her time cooking for special occations especially Wednesday night dinners. Barbara was an exceptional chef who enjoyed cooking for others. She also went on several mission trips to the jungles of Mexico where her fluency in Spanish enabled her to assist doctors and nurses in translating the needs of patients in the poor areas of the Mayan Indians. Barbara was an amazing daughter, sister and friend and she "took care" of all of us right up until the end. She loved us all, as we did her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but will never be forgotten. She is now in a better place and she is still watching over us all.