Obituary of Mary O'Grady

Family Matriarch; Native New Yorker

Mary (“Marie”) Catherine (nee: Lenihan) O’Grady was called back to God on October 21, 2019. She was 90 years of age.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Francis “Buddy” O’Grady, since 1992, and her loving daughter, Mary Theresa Summonte (John), in 2010.

She was a devoted and loving mother to, and is survived by her four remaining children (and their spouse), Francis (Lisa), Timothy (Roseanne), Margaret “Peggy” Ferro (Thomas) and Eileen Sheehan (Dennis).   The greatest joy in her life was being Nana to her nine adoring grandchildren.

She was born in New York City to Daniel and Mary Lenihan; both of Irish ancestry, and spent her earliest years there before the family moved to Staten Island, New York.  She was the fourth of their four children.  She was a loving sister to Daniel J. Lenihan, Dr. Thomas F.X. Lenihan, and Margaret L. Egan, all of whom predeceased her.  

She graduated from the former St. Louis Academy, and the College of Notre Dame. In 1956 she married Francis “Buddy” O’Grady. Together, in their early years they raised their five children in New York, then Delaware before settling in New Jersey.  She began an early career in the corporate offices of both W.E. Hutton and, later, with Foodarama Enterprises in sales and merchandising.

In her later years, her grandchildren were the center of her life. She rejoiced in them. She always took an interest in, and touched everything in their lives.  They, too, cherished their “Nan.”

She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, their families and friends.

She blessed her family with boundless love and sacrifices, particularly her husband whom she cared for during his prolonged illness.

She was a strong witness to her Catholic faith, which defined every aspect of her life.

The family has asked, if anyone desires, contributions be made in lieu of flowers to please consider a memorial donation to the Georgian Court University Tribute Program in the name of Mary Theresa O’Grady (daughter). https://alumni.georgian.edu/TributeProgram

Arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Funeral Home, Freehold,  New Jersey.  Viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on October 24th at St. Rose of Lima RC in Freehold, New Jersey.