Catharine Class McGrath

Catharine Class McGrath, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2013 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. She was born June 8, 1918 in Dauphin County to the late John and Florinda Class. The oldest of three children, Catharine grew up in Harrisburg, PA. She graduated from John Harris High School as well as Central Pennsylvania Business College where she was a member of Beta Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. Upon graduation she was employed by the Pennsylvania Supply Company. On November 29, 1947 she married James Harry McGrath, sharing 66 wonderful years. Catharine later gave up her business career for a full-time career as a wife and mother. She and Jim were blessed with a son, Harry McGrath. Catharine was a talented homemaker and an active volunteer for many years in their community, helping at the Dauphin County Home, her church, and assisting in the development of the YWCA-Teens program for young women. Catharine and the love of her life, Jim were avid gardeners and enjoyed working side by side in their garden sharing the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor with their many friends and family. To know Catharine and Jim was to know that you would benefit from their many beautiful flower beds they took such pride in. As a member of a local garden club, Catharine was proud of the many blue ribbons she took home. One of the talents she learned at an early age working side by side with her mother and grandmother was quilting. She was an accomplished quilter and today you will find many of those quilts in many of our US states where family and friends were the lucky recipients of her generosity and talent. Travelling together, Catherine and Jim visited all but two of the states in the US several times over a period of twenty plus years. Their love for adventure also took them to Europe and the Caribbean several times. Catharine was a compassionate lady who loved and enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren and shared in all their special interests. She took the time to pass along her love of travel, nature, gardening and art to them. She will be forever remembered by her family and grandchildren for her laughter, joy of sharing with the less fortunate, her deep faith, and special talents she blessed us with. In addition to her parents, Catharine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim McGrath; her brother, Jim Class and wife Pat. She is survived by son, Harry and wife Sharon of Clemmons; two grandchildren, Jenn Manning and husband Paul of Winston-Salem, and Alex McGrath and wife Jennifer of Winston-Salem; six great grandchildren, P.J., Caleb, Zoe, Mya, Allison and Lily. She is also survived by one brother, John Class and wife Helen of Mechanicsburg, PA; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends as a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 3:00-4:00pm at Homestead Hills, 3250 Club Drive, Winston-Salem, NC. The family wishes to express special thanks and appreciation to the doctors and nurses at FMC Palliative Care Unit, to their Homestead Hills family, and to Catharine's special friend and care giver Erica Archie for their tender care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the donor's preferred charity. A private, family graveside service to celebrate Catharine's life will be at Indiantown Gap, PA at a later date. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family.

Visitation:
Visitation will be held at Homestead Hills, 3250 Homestead Club Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Service:
A private family graveside service will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later date.

Cemetery Details