Eleanor "Ellie" McGrath

1929 - 2026

Eleanor "Ellie" McGrath
"Loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt"
Eleanor McGrath, age 96 of Middlebury, formerly of Waterbury, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, in the VITAS unit at Saint Mary's Hospital, with her loving family by her side.
Eleanor was born September 29, 1929, in Waterbury, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Angelina (Ciccarelli) Morea. She was a graduate of Wilby High School. Prior to her retirement, Eleanor had worked at the main desk at the former Worth's Department Store in the Naugatuck Valley Mall. Petite in stature but immense in courage and determination, she met life's challenges with a spirit far larger than she appeared. She took joy in small pleasures: a "perfect" cup of coffee, Sunday road trips with Karen and Cindy, and hunting for the latest and greatest finds at the Dollar Store. The sight of a baby would light up her face, and she playfully urged her daughter to have another. Ever meticulous, her sense of style and organizational skills were legendary, famously more orderly than California Closets. A mischievous protector of loved ones, she often threatened to cut Cindy's long hair and always carried scissors just in case.
The "master manipulator", Ellie was always trying to "sabotage" the wonderful care her daughter, Susan, provided, which afforded her the ability to remain independent in her own home up to her final days. She will always be remembered for her love for her two felines, Annie and Graycie, her keen eye for detail, and the little rituals that brighten everyday life. Ellie's family would like to extend their gratitude to her caregivers: Cookie, Dee, Lynn, Priscilla and Roz. In addition, the family is thankful for the entire staff of Trinity Health Home Care, Trinity Health Hospice Home Care and St. Mary's Hospital VITAS.
She leaves her daughters, Cynthia Painter of Waterbury, Susan McGrath of Middlebury; her grandchildren, William Paintek (Janie), Allison Painter Robinson (Kevin); great-grandchildren, William Craig Painter (Veronica) Devlin Painter, Sunji Kramer, Kallie Robinson, Grace Peck, Catherine Taylor; and her great-great-grandson, Preston Robert Painter. She also leaves her nieces, Joann Abhau, Linda Fritsch (Stephen), Arlene Palmieri (Al) and Linda Castonguay. She was predeceased by her siblings, Mary D'Agostino, Andrew Morea, Jennie Doyon, Theresa Santopietro, and Constance Costa; sister in law/best friend, Doris Morea; and extended family member, Irene Barre.
Arrangements: Funeral service, Friday, March 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial/Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury. Calling hours, Friday, from 12 noon until the service at 1 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, 3006 Bee Caves Road, Suite D206, Austin, Texas 78746, (512)-366-9109, info@rls.org .
For more info or to send e-condolences, visit: www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com .