Mary Verdad Antonelli

Mary Verdad Antonelli, age 96, passed peacefully on Sunday, May 18, 2025 with three generations by
her side. She is survived by her daughter, Patrizia M. Humphrey (Brandt) of Amelia, grandson Benjamin
T. Humphrey (Shanda), great grandchildren, Hailey and Hagen Humphrey of Chesterfield as well as
numerous nieces and nephews around the country. Mary treasured the members of her extended inlaw families, Humphrey and Garrity. She loved them like her own. She was preceded in death by her
husband, Colombo F. Antonelli who she nicknamed Tony, her parents, Guadelupe Griego and Thomas
McGrath, five sisters, Anna Gutierrez, Helen Partridge, Della Sanchez, Cora Maloof, Delores Beach and 1
brother Thomas McGrath Jr.
Mary started her career in education teaching English to first and second graders in Delia, New Mexico.
She met her husband of 43 years while he was serving in the United States Air Force in her hometown of
Las Vegas, New Mexico. Within two months, they were married and lived in Texas, New Jersey and
ultimately settled in Richmond. Mary was the first lay teacher in the Diocese of Richmond providing
religious education in the primary grades at Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Bridget and St.
Edward Catholic Schools. Her tenure in public schools in Henrico and Chesterfield counties included
instructing students in the ESL program until her retirement at age 70.
Post retirement, her countless hours of volunteering in schools and community programs earned her an
induction into the Chesterfield County Hall of Fame. Mary's motto was- YOU REST, YOU RUST! Her top
three fitness tips were: eat blueberries, dance and hang out with young people. We will miss her lively
attitude as our memories of mom,grandma, Gigi, Mary inspire us to live and love with faith, family and
friends.
A funeral Mass will be held at Good Samaritan Catholic Church....
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Our Lady of Hope Health Center-Attention: Life Enrichment
Fund -Antonelli Tribute 13700 N. Gayton Rd. Richmond, VA 23233. This fund supports "About Town"
field trips and special activities to promote physical and mental health for Memory Care residents.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Mary Verdad (McGrath) Antonelli, please visit our floral store.