Megan Joy McGrath

Megan Joy McGrath

April 27, 1977 – September 11, 2023

Megan Joy McGrath passed away on Monday, September 11, 2023 at her home in Sausalito, California where she lived with her three beloved cats, Arya, Sansa, and Yara.  Born in Evanston on April 27, 1977, she was the daughter of Mary Ann and William J. McGrath. She is also survived by her brothers William Peter (Norine nee Madden) of Seattle, Washington, and Geoffrey (Tessa nee Feikert) of Evanston, Illinois, nephews Connor and Ronan and niece Norine Ella.

Born and raised in Evanston, IL, Megan attended Dewey School and Nichols Middle School, where her talent and interest in three-dimensional art was sparked.  Megan graduated in 1995 from Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, Illinois. It was in this context that she developed skills in ceramics and learned the chemistry of firing and glazes.  She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in ceramics at Loyola University Chicago. She subsequently became a Resident Artist in the Ceramics Program at Harvard University.  Samples of her work are evident in the homes of friends and family.  After moving to California, she joined a group of local ceramicists to continue her craft as an avocation.

Always an empathic person and a good listener and encouraged by friends in this field, she embarked on a master’s degree in counseling psychology at John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hills, California.  Upon graduation in 2020 with a M.S. degree in Counseling Psychology, she assumed the role of Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at the Community Institute of Psychotherapy (CIP) in San Rafael, California.  In addition to traditional clients, her caseload included the homeless, those with addictions and those unable to pay for services.  She treated all with seriousness and respect and was constantly reminded of the many blessings she had personally received.

Megan loved art and animals—especially cats. Memorial gifts can be sent to Marin Humane, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA 94949 or the Nichols Middle School Art Program, 800 Greenleaf Street, Evanston, IL 60202. A celebration of her life will take place in Evanston, IL on her next birthday, Saturday, April 27, 2024.  Details will be forthcoming.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Megan Joy McGrath, please visit our floral store.