March 23, 2023
March 23, 2023
Lon, your love and light is missed down here but we'll meet again on the other side. I love and miss you sis.
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Loni McGrath, 54 years old, born on December 3, 1957, and passed away on March 23, 2012. We will remember her forever.
Tributes
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March 23, 2022
March 23, 2022
Loni, I miss you and all the times we shared. I still clearly hear your beautiful voice and laughter.
March 23, 2022
March 23, 2022
I miss you. I think of you often. You would have loved the weather today and the sounds of spring. So much to share with you. <3
December 4, 2021
December 4, 2021
I still think of you often, at the oddest times. When I make a salad and use my salad spinner which you admires. When I drive home from the health club because we often talked at that time to make arrangements to meet. At Easter time when I am reminded of Easter Egg hunts with the kids. You are forever missed.
December 4, 2021
December 4, 2021
Happy belated birthday Lon! Was hiking with a friend yesterday on your birthday. Saw a beautiful bluebird- my first I think. Was that you saying hi? Your entire family misses you every day... We and your boys shared thoughts about you yesterday. They have your very best qualities and you would be so proud of them :-)
March 23, 2021
March 23, 2021
Your family talked about you today Lon and we all remembered you in our own ways. Many of us said we hoped we'd feel your spirit in a hawk we might spot today...So hard to believe you've been gone for 9 years. We miss your smile, your energy and your love. You would be SO proud of your boys... they are truly wonderful young men and I see you in both of them. We all look after them for you and they know they are loved and cherished by the McGraths.. Miss you sister... missed chatting with you about the daffs when they hit the grocery stores in March, and commenting on what a good deal they were :-)
December 4, 2020
December 4, 2020
Missing my beautiful friend. I have been doing more bird watching, Loni, and when I do, I think of you just as I often do in other aspects of my daily life. You are in my heart. ❤️
December 3, 2020
December 3, 2020
As always, thinking of you on your birthday Lon. And the boys are too. They both wrote very sweet things about you today. It was a beautiful day here. On our way back from a walk with friends a hawk flew low over our car. I know it was you making your presence known :-) I miss you so much every day. Rest assured that your boys are always within our embrace when they want or need it. Such truly wonderful young men; so much of you is in them. Sweet dreams my dear sister..
December 3, 2020
December 3, 2020
Missing my friend today and every day.
March 23, 2020
March 23, 2020
Loni, how can it be 8 years? In some ways it’s like yesterday and other it’s forever ago. There are odd things that make me think of you - when I use the salad spinner that you liked so much, when I ride down a certain road and recall a phone conversation we had when I was driving down that same road. You are thought of often and your goodness makes me a better person. Miss you.
March 23, 2020
March 23, 2020
Loni I am thinking about you and Spring flowers. There is a lot going on in these crazy times. I could see you rolling your eyes and saying what the hell. Your life was a good one and lost too young
March 23, 2020
March 23, 2020
Thinking of you today Lon. Spring is coming very early this year. The daffs are 6" high and the crocus have popped out. You and I would always get giddy about now as we chatted about when we would buy our pansies.
The boys have grown into such handsome and wonderful young men. I can see you beaming wherever you are; you would be SO proud of them. I'll post an updated picture of them here.
I look for you whenever I see a hawks overhead and I even whistle to them, as you used to do! We have an owl living on our property and I wonder, is that you come to keep a close eye on Ross and I? We miss you and love you dear sister. Trace
The boys have grown into such handsome and wonderful young men. I can see you beaming wherever you are; you would be SO proud of them. I'll post an updated picture of them here.
I look for you whenever I see a hawks overhead and I even whistle to them, as you used to do! We have an owl living on our property and I wonder, is that you come to keep a close eye on Ross and I? We miss you and love you dear sister. Trace
Loni, I wanted you to know we were thinking about you. Samantha is almost 10 and asked me if I could find a picture of you. I knew exactly where to find one. She keeps your Peter Rabbit book that you gave her in her bookcase as a treasure. The tiger lily you planted behind our house blooms every July and it always makes me smile and think of you. We will always treasure your friendship ❤️ Susan, Scott & Samantha Dubofsky
December 3, 2018
December 3, 2018
Hello dear sister! Received a wonderful, sweet email from your friend Marissa the other day. She's been thinking of you and seeing signs of you as your birthday approached. And your family, including the boys, remembered you lovingly today. The Food Bank honored you again this year by giving out their annual award in your name. You are loved and remembered dear sis... you live on, deep within all of our hearts. I miss you every day- your laugh, your phone calls, your excited voice about who knows what.
March 23, 2018
March 23, 2018
I can hardly believe you've been gone six years Lon... I think of you every day and still feel your generous spirit, hearty laugh, joie de vivre and chattiness :-) I've seen several hawks these past few days and know you are near. Your boys continue to evolve into wonderful young men- I see you in both of them, especially their love of the outdoors and all things in nature. We are all so proud of Jord and Ian and look after them in your absence. Miss you and love you sis..
March 23, 2018
March 23, 2018
Life is short but we never forget those that make an impact on us! ❤️
December 3, 2017
December 3, 2017
Can't believe it's been five year Loni. Today you're 60 and your whole family is celebrating and around you. Gawd you know I could really use your perspective sometimes while I continue to look over and 'guide' the boys. I'm sure they miss it too. We're bumbling along and we are all still very close...I'm sad whenever i think of you and all you're missing...a big tear that simply can't be fixed. Of course I'm always reminded of you when I'm watching birds or having some bird experience, which I do often. Like the other night when i was outside and heard a couple of owls...and thought how excited you'd have been to hear them. I hope your spirit is at peace and you're ok wherever you've gone...talk with you soon.
December 3, 2017
December 3, 2017
Happy Birthday Lon! I wish you were here and we were showering you with 60th birthday wishes and surprises, as we did for your other 'decade' birthdays. I have so many warm memories of birthdays celebrated together with you and the boys.
You are always close by and in my heart.. sadness and joy and gratitude for the years we shared together.
You are always close by and in my heart.. sadness and joy and gratitude for the years we shared together.
December 3, 2017
December 3, 2017
Dear Loni: Happy 60th birthday! I spent your birthday at the Smith College Vespers and then reflecting on our wonderful friendship of so many years. I miss you, Loni.
December 3, 2017
December 3, 2017
So hard to believe that such a wonderful lfe ended so young .Such fun times we shared growing up in Cazenovia. I continue to think of you and your family. I hope you’re celebrating somewhere your 60th birthday. With much love!
Kris
Kris
December 3, 2017
December 3, 2017
My precious sister! If you were here, we would have gathered round you to celebrate 60. Instead, I'll look for you in the birds and butterflies all around. I'll remember your great big, vibrant heart. And yes, I'll miss you terribly. My hope is that there's some kind of celebration going on wherever you are-hopefully including one of Mom's beautiful birthday cakes! I love you so much sis. Tracey and I keep the sister candle burning brightly for you.
March 23, 2017
March 23, 2017
I thought of you all day today Lon. And... no surprise... when I drove home from work today, one hawk flew right in front of my car on the highway, then another caught a draft near my car and showed off for a bit and I saw another one as I left my evening class. The words 'look up' came to me after you left us and I've been doing that ever since, as I know that's where you are and your spirit isn't far if I look for you in the birds... Love you so much and miss you. The boys are doing great... you would be *so* proud of them. We all look after them in your absence...
March 23, 2017
March 23, 2017
I woke up this morning, showered, got dressed, looked through by box of earnings to find a pair to put on. Without thinking that it was the anniversary of your death, I picked a pair that were yours. As I put them on I thought of you.. how you are missed.. how I treasure the friendship we had and the memories. Clearly I knew, subconsciously, that this was the day we lost you. You are forever missed and forever in my heart,
December 4, 2016
December 4, 2016
Hi Loni. Happy birthday! On your birthday yesterday, we had Devon's baby shower. I kept thinking about how much joy you would have had and shared with us over Devon becoming a Mom. I wish you were here. I miss you dear friend.
December 3, 2016
December 3, 2016
Happy Birthday sister! Your dear friends Julie, Beth and Jane and I were remembering you today and sharing our memories. Your family members all shared our favorite pix of you today... we all miss you so much. Your boys are amazing young men. They both remind me of you and have your very best traits. You would be *so* proud of each of them. I know you're with me... I feel your presence in bird experiences I have. Our drive into Cambridge today took us by Dali, one of your favorite restaurants. I have fond memories of our times there together. Love you always dear sis..
December 3, 2016
December 3, 2016
Hi Lon. Happy 59th birthday. Ian, Phil, and I celebrated by walking at the beach, talking about you, identifying birds...had a great encounter with an accipiter. We talk about you often, me and the boys. You're still never far from out thoughts and memories.
December 3, 2015
December 3, 2015
On this day you are remembered by all who knew you. Each and every day, you are missed by your family and close friends. May peace fill their souls in remembering the wonderful person you are and may peace fill your soul in heaven. Happy Birthday Loni!
December 3, 2015
December 3, 2015
Happy Birthday Lon.. I miss calling you first thing in the morning on your
birthday. You were always up and had had your coffee and were
giddy for the day ahead... I think of you so often and miss you so much. I thought of you in NYC recently- we did our day trip with DCS. We had so much fun together the years you, and you and Ian, came with us! You and I marveled at the skating rink at Rock Center and reminisced about our years skating on the pond on the Ridge. I love you sister. I know you are close- I see you in the hawks and ospreys that come close. Be at peace dear sister.
birthday. You were always up and had had your coffee and were
giddy for the day ahead... I think of you so often and miss you so much. I thought of you in NYC recently- we did our day trip with DCS. We had so much fun together the years you, and you and Ian, came with us! You and I marveled at the skating rink at Rock Center and reminisced about our years skating on the pond on the Ridge. I love you sister. I know you are close- I see you in the hawks and ospreys that come close. Be at peace dear sister.
March 24, 2015
March 24, 2015
Miss you every day Lon. I feel your presence
all the time in the osprey and hawk experiences
I have. Your boys are such beautiful young men;
I see you in them in so many ways. You'd be so very,
very proud.
all the time in the osprey and hawk experiences
I have. Your boys are such beautiful young men;
I see you in them in so many ways. You'd be so very,
very proud.
December 4, 2014
December 4, 2014
I miss you so much, Loni. I still haven't processed you being gone. The last time we spoke was over Skype from a faraway place. You were sitting at the desk in the basement. I can hear your voice and warm joyous giggle. And then you were gone. But not really. I see you in so many places and feel you in my heart. I recently signed up for a Christmas bird count, and I will see you there.
December 3, 2014
December 3, 2014
Thinking of you often Loni...especially today! Happy birthday! Someday we will bowl on your birthday! Love you and truly miss you!
December 3, 2014
December 3, 2014
I think of you all the time Lon and miss you so much.
I have many interesting bird encounters, especially with
osprey and hawks. I know that you are there and looking out
for me. Gunar is right- your boys are really growing up and you would be so proud of them. I'm keeping an eye on them for you. We are all thinking of you today and send all our love out to you, wherever you are.
I have many interesting bird encounters, especially with
osprey and hawks. I know that you are there and looking out
for me. Gunar is right- your boys are really growing up and you would be so proud of them. I'm keeping an eye on them for you. We are all thinking of you today and send all our love out to you, wherever you are.
December 3, 2014
December 3, 2014
Thinking of you today Lon. The boys are doing really well...growing into the men we knew they could become. We speak of you often and it's still quite difficult. But I think you'd be very happy with how they have coped and grown. I'm still very sad at all the little things you're missing and of course very sad for all they're missing with you. As for us, I speak to you often enough and hope you are able to hear me still. Sorry for some of the yelling :-) We all love and miss you.
December 3, 2014
December 3, 2014
I was just back in Cazenovia last week. Remembering this wonderful woman , and the fun we had ! She was always so full of life . So sad her life was short .
March 23, 2014
March 23, 2014
I was blessed to have known this wonderful woman ! Surely missed by many !
Thinking of Gunar, the boys and her family !
Hugs
Kris
Thinking of Gunar, the boys and her family !
Hugs
Kris
December 4, 2013
December 4, 2013
Love you loni...
December 4, 2013
December 4, 2013
Sister Lon-I think of you every day. I miss you so much, but the light you spread, lights my way. Love you.
December 3, 2013
December 3, 2013
I love you sister Lon, and miss you every day. We are lighting candles on
an angel food cake for you tonight (your favorite cake),
listening to Bonnie Raitt and celebrating your life. I, and
so many others who love you, are thinking of
you on your birthday.
an angel food cake for you tonight (your favorite cake),
listening to Bonnie Raitt and celebrating your life. I, and
so many others who love you, are thinking of
you on your birthday.
December 3, 2013
December 3, 2013
Happy Birthday to my friend Loni. There are so many occasions that you are sorely missed. Loni wanted to have a bowling birthday party and we weren't able to do it...will definitely be doing this. :) miss you!
December 3, 2013
December 3, 2013
Thinking about a very special woman, who had a full life, that ended way to early . Thinking about the McGrath family today , and many fond memories of Loni.
Remembering many special holidays with Loni and the family, and knowing she will be missed by all.
Hugs
Remembering many special holidays with Loni and the family, and knowing she will be missed by all.
Hugs
March 23, 2013
March 23, 2013
Dear Loni, I miss you so much. I still cannot believe you are gone. I love seeing you in photos and hearing, in my head, that wonderful voice and laugh of yours.
March 23, 2013
March 23, 2013
Hi, Loni. I think of you often and sometimes see people who look a lot like you, which I can't say I ever noticed when you were around. I miss you and still cannot believe you are not with us here.
December 3, 2012
December 3, 2012
Thinking of you today...Happy Birthday! Miss you like crazy...
May 30, 2012
May 30, 2012
All of Trout Lake is shocked and saddened at the news of Loni's passing. Even the briefest encounters with her left us laughing, encouraged, thoughtful, or intrigued. What a well lived life she modeled for us all! May all the McGrath family feel surrounded and buoyed by Loni's positive spirit.
May 14, 2012
May 14, 2012
Oh Loni, am so sad. The hours, days, years we shared. Our children growing up, the Oxfam world. I always hold you dear to my heart. Be at peace.
April 10, 2012
April 10, 2012
I was saddened to hear of Loni's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. I am praying for strength and comfort for the whole family at this time of grieving.
April 8, 2012
April 8, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the McGrath family on the passing of Loni. She will be remembered as a light to all who knew her. (Marianne Frisbey)
April 7, 2012
April 7, 2012
To the McGrath's:As I reflect back on my days of growing up in our wonderful town of Cazenovia, it was such a special place with special people. Although I was 4 years older than Loni, and did not know her well, Cazenovia was that much more special because of families like the McGrath's. My heartfelt thoughts are with you for your loss of Loni....John
April 6, 2012
April 6, 2012
Loni and I were childhood friends. Our memories are of birthday parties, sleepouts in the back yard, the rope swing, bike rides, being little girls. We went to the First Presbyterian Church, where we were all family, sunday school, choir, Easter and Christmas. I loved Loni. She was fun, fearless, smart, thoughtful, beautiful, talented in so many ways. I was blessed by her friendship.
April 6, 2012
April 6, 2012
Dearest Hal and McGrath Family - Our sincerest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you left behind. May you the Lord strengthen you during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to all of you.
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Recent Tributes
March 23, 2023
March 23, 2023
Lon, your love and light is missed down here but we'll meet again on the other side. I love and miss you sis.
March 23, 2022
March 23, 2022
Loni, I miss you and all the times we shared. I still clearly hear your beautiful voice and laughter.
March 23, 2022
March 23, 2022
I miss you. I think of you often. You would have loved the weather today and the sounds of spring. So much to share with you. <3
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Recent stories
She sure could talk
May 8, 2012
You know how Loni truly listened and also how she loved to talk (ha ha) so it probably wouldn't surprise you to know that she was taking Spanish language lessons to increase her conversational Spanish skills. This would allow her to educate many more communities in the area about the Rhode Island Food Bank programs that she was such an integral part of developing.
She also spoke French and was the first one at the door to visit when Jean-Marc's parents were in town. We sat around the kitchen island and she used her French to tell them stories about pet mishaps that had us all in tears laughing. She knew how to tell a funny story that's for sure! In many languages...she could also throw around a few phrases in Japanese or Arabic.
A wonderful listener and a true communicator she kept her voice heard as an activist for conservation in Norton. She was too unassuming to ever mention it but she marched into the state house and she stood before town selectmen and gave them a lesson or two about values and vision, I bet she wasn't laughing then. I wish I could have seen her in action!
She also stayed involved as a member of the Historic and Audubon Societies. As a matter of fact she played an integral role in getting local trails created at La Salette; another thing she didn't bother to talk about. She may have had several languages to draw on but she wasn't just a talker, she was a doer.
I still have her wonderful voice in my head and I hope it stays there for a long, long time.