Sandra L. McGrath

Sandra L. (Lawton) McGrath, age 73, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 11, 2022 at her home in Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Marblehead, Massachusetts on October 17, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Francis R. and Beatrice K. (Hopper) Lawton.  She was raised in Marblehead and graduated from Marblehead High School with the Class of 1966.  Sandy earned her an Associate’s degree from Burdett College in 1968 as well as her Bachelor’s degree in Education and Recreational Therapy from U Mass Boston in 1986.  However, her proudest educational achievement came in June of 2000 when she received her Montessori teacher certification from the American Montessori Society.  Sandy  began her Montessori career as a student at New England Montessori Teacher Education Center and received her Montessori teacher certification from the American Montessori Society in June, 2000.  She went on to touch the lives of hundreds of children and their families as a Montessori teacher until her retirement from Walnut Park Montessori School in 2013.

She continued to serve the Montessori community as an instructor and practicum advisor at the Montessori  Teacher Education Center until 2019.  She inspired students as a model that transcended ages  and cultures.  She could always find the glass half-full, see the best in people, and share her wisdom with a gentle sense of humor.

Sandy married her beloved husband, Dennis M. McGrath, on October 8, 1988, at Sacred Heart Church in Roslindale.  Together Sandy and Dennis made their home in Walpole, Massachusetts in 1993 where they welcomed their son, Michael.

Beloved wife of Dennis M. McGrath.

Loving mother of Michael McGrath and Luisa deMello Barreto.

Devoted sister of Kathleen Sarrette of Georgia, Linda L. Davies of California, and Joseph McGrath of Hingham.

Also survived by her many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Sandy's Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 10:00 AM in the United Church of Walpole, 30 Common Street, Walpole.  This Service can also be live streamed at:  https://www.unitedwalpole.org/livestream 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sandy's name may be made to: Jackson Walnut Park Educational Scholarship Fund, c/o Jackson Walnut Park School, 200 Jackson Rd, Newton, Ma. 02458