Josephine (June) McGrath of Ansonia passed into the Lord’s Kingdom on July 2, 2020. She was born in 1925 to Joseph and Julia Starzec, the seventh of seven children. She was the devoted wife of James McGrath, who recently joined her in the Next Life on Sept. 23, 2022. She was an exceptionally loving and caring mother, who dedicated her life to her family and instilled a reverent love of God in her children and grandchildren. She had a strong work ethic and always strove for perfection. Her kitchen was a center of warmth and comfort. She was gifted with both wit and wisdom, endearing herself to many. She was kind and loyal, always wanting to help.
June graduated as salutatorian of her high school class and then worked as a bookkeeper for Smith Construction Company. She had an extraordinary singing voice with an expansive range. During WWII, she sang under the name of June Star. A lifelong communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Ansonia, she could be heard beautifully harmonizing during services. She mastered various musical instruments and passed that gift to her three children. Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly to enrich the lives of others. She offered a lifetime of prayers and financial assistance for missions worldwide and provided long-term financial support for families in need.
She is survived by her children--James (Fran) McGrath of North Haven, June Kelly of Fairfield, and Janice (Daniel) O’Brien of Fairfield,12 adored grandchildren and 8 cherished great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved sisters, Jean Danielsky and Victoria Starzec, and her much-loved brothers, Rev. John Starzec, Stanley Starzec, Francis Starzec and Joseph Starzec. Her family is eternally grateful for her loving presence in their lives. Her funeral services were private. The Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby has been entrusted with her arrangements.
