Obituary of Mary Irene McGraw (Dowd)

Mary Irene (Dowd) McGraw passed away June 3, 2022. A loving wife, mother, Nana and Great Nana, Irene had a great love of life, her family, and her countless friends. A proud graduate of St. Mark’s Grade School and St. Joseph’s Academy, she lived over 90 years within 3 miles of her childhood home. Blessed to be 100% Irish, she was the epitome of fun-loving, well-spoken, gracious, and outgoing. A devout Catholic, Irene never waivered in her beliefs or convictions. She appreciated well-polished nails, a “good” Manhattan and a well-written thank you note. Our Mom will be forever missed by her children: Jerry (Sue) McGraw, Mary (Tom) Ruff and Colleen McGraw; her beloved grandchildren Kelsey, Sam & Tessa Ruff, Leah (Dave) Turner and Danny McGraw; and the newest apple of her eye, great granddaughter, Mary Elle Turner. Also survived by loving nephews, nieces, cousins & special friends. Preceded in death by her wonderful husband Cornelius David McGraw, son, Dr. Tim McGraw, infant granddaughter, Megan McGraw; as well as her parents Tom & Winnie (Fee) Dowd, brothers Donald and Leo and her dear sister & brother-in-law, Kathy and George Meyer. Visitation Friday, June 10, 2022, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Avenue, St. Paul (651) 228-1006. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11th at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Stanford at Prior Avenues, St. Paul. Luncheon to follow at one of Irene & Dave’s favorite spots, Mancini’s Char House. She will be laid to rest with Dave at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in a private service. Many thanks to her skilled and kind caregivers at Legacy Care Home and Brookdale of Eden Prairie, who helped us care for our Mom this past year. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Nativity School Scholarship Fund, Neighborhood House Food Market, or donor’s choice. May she rest in peace.        The mass will be live-streamed by the church at: https://nativitystpaul.org/online-liturgies