Obituaries

Mary Ellen McGrath passed away on the 15th of January, 2021, from complications of Alzheimer's disease in her residence at Fremont Hills Assisted living; she was 88 years old.

She is survived by her husband Arthur McGrath, her son David McGrath, step-children Malinda Hoernis and Stephen McGrath, her brother Michael Wahlheim and his children Dory Rethford and Andy Wahlheim as well as her cousin Janis Pearson. She was a caring grandmother to Forrest Bevineau, Brittany McGrath, Micaela McGrath and Morgan McGrath. She was a great-grandmother, sister-in law and beloved aunt to her extended family. She had a special relationship with her nephew Mark McDaniel, his wife Kyle, and their children Ian and Brenna.

Born in 1932 to Andrew & Esther Wahlheim in Rock Island, Illinois, she was raised there in the Quad Cities, graduating from Moline High School and receiving her nursing degree from Augustana College in Rock Island. She went on to earn a master's degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, but her career and passion was nursing.

After briefly meeting Arthur in Denver, Colorado, their paths would cross again many years later in Baltimore, Maryland, where they would fall in love, eventually marrying in Moline, Illinois, in 1968. Life as a family in the Air Force had them moving around to several locations, but they eventually settled in Fremont, California, after Arthur’s retirement in 1979.

Mary Ellen decided to expand her nursing career and became a beloved instructor to her students when she taught nursing at Ohlone College in Fremont throughout the 80’s and 90’s.

Another important aspect of her life was her spirituality and involvement with her church community. Since arriving in Fremont, Mary Ellen had been very active within Bridges Community Church (formally Fremont EFC), where she led many groups and enjoyed singing in the choir. This community is where she developed some of her deepest friendships. Mary Ellen enjoyed singing, traveling, watching the A’s play baseball, her dogs, and making people feel cared for. She had a long, wonderful life, and we will miss her greatly.

She will be laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on the 27th of January, 2021. There will be a celebration of life at Bridges Community Church at a later date.