Mary Elizabeth McGrath

Mary Elizabeth McGrath, of Osceola, Indiana, and Cassopolis, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025 surrounded by love and family. Born in Hammond, Indiana, Mary Beth was the beloved middle sister to Aileen and “Irish twin” Rita. A proud graduate of Bishop Noll High School, Mary Beth went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in French and a minor in Spanish from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and her master’s degree in Education from Purdue University. She began her teaching career at Elizabeth Seton High School in South Holland, Illinois, and later spent many years teaching Spanish and French in the Penn-Harris-Madison School District in Mishawaka, where she inspired countless students with her passion for languages and learning. From an early age, Mary Beth’s spirit was strong. A polio survivor, she never let challenges define her. Instead, she approached life with determination, independence, and a contagious sense of optimism. Mary Beth embodied resilience, strength, and grace. Her strong spirit, competitive nature, and boundless heart made her a cherished friend, mentor, and confidant to many. Mary Beth was a trailblazer for women’s athletics, coaching basketball, track, and powderpuff football long before girls’ organized sports were commonplace. She was an avid sports fan, especially of her beloved Notre Dame and loved nothing more than cheering on her family and students from the sidelines. Faith and service were cornerstones of her life. A devoted member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, she also volunteered with the Christ Child Society and at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center at Notre Dame. A certified reflexologist, world traveler, and lifelong learner, Mary Beth studied at Trinity College in Ireland, lived in France, and shared her love of culture and adventure with everyone she met. Mary Beth’s happiest moments were spent with her family, whether hosting gatherings at her Diamond Lake house, organizing her legendary annual Easter egg hunt, or playing basketball with her great-nieces and nephews. She had a rare gift for making every person she met feel seen, loved, and special. Her handwritten notes, thoughtful cards, and kind gestures were her signature way of showing care. Mary Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Leo B. and Helen (O’Neal) McGrath. She is survived by her loving sisters, Rita (Frank) Mayer and Aileen Jenner; nieces and nephews Frank L. Mayer, Tiffani (Duncan) Hines, Elizabeth (Steven) Anderson, Thomas (Erin) Mayer, and Colleen (Clark) Nelson; and nine great-nieces and nephews who adored her. Mary Beth was the kindest soul you could ever meet, a fun-loving, faith-filled woman whose greatest joy came from helping others. Her love, laughter, and light will live on in all those blessed to have known her. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta, Georgia on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 10am with Monsignor John Walsh officiating. She will be laid to rest in Merrillville, Indiana. Visitation will be Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 10am at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel in Merrillville, Indiana. Interment to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Christ Child Society of South Bend.

Mary Elizabeth McGrath

April 28, 1943 - November 3, 2025