Patricia (Serra) McGrath

Patricia A. (Serra) McGrath, 94, a lifelong resident of Worcester passed away at home surrounded by the family she loved, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Patricia is welcomed into heaven by her husband of 53 years, John J. McGrath, who passed away in 2004, her son, John J. Jr., who passed away in 1984, and other family members. 

Patricia was born in Worcester, the oldest of 13 children, born to Samuel D. and Hazel D. (Chase) Serra. She graduated from Commerce High School and earned her LPN from Worcester State College. Pat then went on to have a career working with challenged individuals for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at Worcester State Hospital before retiring. 

Pat is survived by her three daughters, Maureen E. Stratford of Worcester, Patricia L. Nicholas and her husband Richard of Boylston and Eileen N. Bernier of Uxbridge; eight grandchildren who lovingly called her “Mimi” Tracy, John, Joseph, Justin, Sean, Shane, Devan, and Ian; three great-grandchildren, Jordan, Damian and Rylan; Many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She is also survived by two brothers, Paul Serra in Grafton and Richard Serra in Florida.

Patricia was loving, caring, and always willing to offer advice or expound on her wisdom. She always had her 'two cents' to add to any conversation! She was extremely loved and was "Mimi" to everyone who knew her. She always loved entertaining, especially family dinners, and Holidays. She enjoyed cooking (her Italian dishes and famous BBQ hot dogs), baking her Italian cookies with the grandkids was among her favorite things, reading and 'poking' at yard sales, flea markets, and antique shops because you never knew when you'd find a 'treasure'. She was obsessed with Facebook and would spend numerous hours socializing with relatives and friends. She was Politically active and thoroughly enjoyed working the political gatherings and events. Notably, Patricia was awarded three keys to the city for her involvement. 

Most of all, Patricia was happiest when spending time with her family. They were her greatest joy. She studied tirelessly, side by side, with her granddaughter, Devan, and would hold 'surprise quizzes' on her Nursing courses. There were times we weren't sure who was the student! She was the matriarch of her family and will be missed by all who knew and loved her...

Funeral services and burial in St. John Cemetery will be held privately. There are no calling hours. Memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the UMass Foundation for Cancer Research, 25 South St. Shrewsbury. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family. 

The McGrath family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the UMass-Memorial Hospital, Belmont campus, West 1 for the care, compassion, and comfort they gave to Patricia during a difficult time.