Nancy L. "Cooney" McGrath

Nancy Louise (Cooney) McGrath passed away peacefully of natural causes on January 4, 2026, in Cambridge, Minnesota, at the age of 84. Born on March 3, 1941, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Nancy spent the first 33 years of her life there before moving to Carpentersville, Illinois, where she lived for seven years. She later made her home in Maple Grove, Minnesota, for 36 years, and most recently resided in Cambridge, Minnesota, for the past eight years. Throughout her life, Nancy's days were filled with laughter, love, and a steadfast devotion to family and friends.

Nancy was the cherished daughter of the late Jack A. Cooney and Edith H. Cooney, and a beloved sister to Thomas A. Cooney (Kathi). She shared 63 wonderful years with her lifelong partner and husband, John E. McGrath Jr., with whom she built a strong and loving family. She was a devoted mother to her daughters: Kim Rutledge (Doug), Jean Anderson (Paul), and Kelly Brakemeier (Dustin).

Nancy was a proud and loving grandmother to Cory Anderson (Amber), Kali Penny (Richard), Trevor Rutledge (Katey), Kyle Rutledge, Connor Rutledge, Gabbi Ferron (Wylie), Jeremy Brakemeier, Tyler Brakemeier, and Ella Brakemeier. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy and pride.

Her early years in Erie helped shape the compassionate and caring spirit that defined her life. After graduating from Academy High School in 1959, Nancy dedicated herself to both her family and her career. She worked as a homemaker, a file room associate at Equifax, and later as a medical records clerk at North Clinic/Voyage. She retired in 2006, remembered by colleagues for her diligence, reliability, and kindness.

Nancy's Christian faith was a guiding presence throughout her life, offering her strength and comfort. She found joy in word searches, playing Mexican Train, and bowling-having participated in a bowling league for many years. Above all, Nancy treasured time spent with her family. She loved traveling, creating cherished memories along the way, and especially valued returning to Erie for family reunions, ensuring lifelong bonds remained strong across generations and miles.

Nancy leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched, and she will be deeply missed.