Celeste McGrath

MCGRATH Celeste McGrath, age 93, beloved wife of the late Joseph McGrath of Lordship, Stratford, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2011 in Stratford. Born in Kingston, N.Y. April 7, 1918 daughter of the late John and Maud McGrath, Celeste resided in Stratford since 1941. Celeste was the first female prosecutor for the Town of Stratford and was retired as supervisor of the Bridgeport Family Court. She was raised in the Primitive Baptist Church, of Williamston, NC. She was a avid fan of singer Johnny Ray and had a love of gardening. Before age slowed her down she was Secretary of the Stratford Democratic Town Committee and active in the Stratford Federation of Democratic Women she also served on the Board of Guenster Rehabilitation Center, Bridgeport, the Alcohol Consortium and the Regional Network of Programs. Survivors include her children Keith McConnell of Stratford, Stuart McConnell of Bradenton, Fla., Florence Stedner and Celeste Riccio both of Stratford, one brother George Secor of Dallas TX, one sister Emma Vail of White River Junction, VT, eighteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by a son Joseph McGrath, a daughter Sheryl Stankiewicz and a sister Gertrude Secor. Friends are invited to attend her funeral on Saturday September 11, 2011 at 10 am in the William R. McDonald Funeral Home, 2591 Main St., Stratford. Interment in Union Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call Friday from 4 to 7 PM in the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to Prospect House Shelter, 392 Prospect St., Bridgeport, CT 06606.