Rosemary R. McGraw

Rosemary Ryan McGraw, 96, passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2023.  She is survived by her sister, Phyllis Rogan; her children: Michael (Linda), Rosanne (Bill McCoy), John (Barbara) and Patricia Weaver (Peter); as well as 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and wonderful friend Beverly Currier.   Rosemary was predeceased by her husband Donald Kent McGraw. 

Rosemary was born in Towaco, NJ. She was the eldest of Rosalie (Cilwa) and Michael Ryan’s five children. There, she attended school in a two-room schoolhouse.  She often reminisced about how much she loved her teacher there as well as her years living in Towaco surrounded by her extended family. When she was 12, they moved to Poughkeepsie, NY.  She graduated from Albany State College from which she also received her Masters Degree in Teaching.  Rosemary taught junior high and high school in Walden, NY and Levittown, Long Island.

Rosemary and Don raised their children in Levittown. Upon Don’s retirement, they moved upstate near two of their children and the excellent libraries at UAlbany and RPI (Don’s Alma Mater.)

Rosemary loved her family, and was happiest when she was with as many of them as possible.  She enjoyed knitting custom sweaters for her grandchildren, cultivating a beautiful garden, and reading – especially cozy mysteries.  She shared her love for NYTimes crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and card games with her family. A visit with her grandchildren often involved all three, accompanied by her excellent blueberry muffins or whiskey cake.  She loved travelling, even going to Egypt and riding a camel in her 70s.  She enjoyed lunches with friends, and talking with her sister, Phyllis. 

Upon Don’s death, Rosemary returned to her lifelong habit of volunteering, and worked with Caregivers, the Guilderland Food Pantry and Lunch Bunch. 

A funeral mass will be held at Christ the King Church on Friday, Sept 29 at 10 AM.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Guilderland Food Pantry, P.O. Box 7, Guilderland NY 12084.

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