Obituary of Mary “Maureen” McDonagh

Mary ‘Maureen’ McDonagh, aged 84, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2022.  She was born on January 11, 1938 in Knocknagree, County Cork, Ireland to Owen and Catherine Casey. She was raised on a dairy farm in Knocknagree and is the second oldest of 9 children.  She immigrated to New York at the age of 17, and lived with her aunt on the Upper West Side. She loved her life in New York City and loved to window shop, attend parties and ceilis, and dance. She worked at Schrafft’s restaurant for many years before settling down in the Bronx to raise a family.

She is survived by Eugene (Gene) McDonagh; whom together enjoyed almost 63 years of marriage. She is also survived by her three sons and two daughters and their families; Eugene (Gene), Kathy (Gene) Van Doran, John (Maura), Maura (Matthew) Forte, and Stephen.  She adored her eight grandchildren: Eugene Jr., Kasey, Kyle, Johnny, Matthew, Caitlin, Meghan and Jake.

Our mother’s greatest enjoyment was cooking and being withher family, friends and grandchildren. She could always be found with a cup of tea in her hand and an apple pie in the oven.  At every family gathering she would be put to work to make the best mashed potatoes and gravy.  She loved spoiling her grandchildren with chocolate, listening to Irish music, shopping, watching Irish dancing (especially her granddaughter Kasey) and cooking. She will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Visitation will be at Hodder Farenga Funeral Home, 899 McLean Avenue, Yonkers, NY on Wednesday, July 6th from 4-8pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Barnabas Church, 409 East 241st Street, Bronx, NY on Thursday, July 7th at 10:45am. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY