Obituary: Judith “Judy” McGrath
Judith “Judy” McGrath
WESTBROOK – Judith A. “Judy” McGrath, of Westbrook, Maine, passed away peacefully at home on July 20, 2026, surrounded by family.
She was born on March 14, 1940, in the Bronx, N.Y., the beloved daughter of Henry J. Soderman and Winifred Sweeney Soderman, and was the second of four daughters, Barbara Crowe, Catherine Soderman, Judith McGrath, and Susan Betz.
Judy lived a life marked by kindness, humor, perseverance, and laughter. She grew up in Back Bay, Mass., and married her childhood sweetheart, Michael Roy “Mike” McGrath. In 1958, they moved to Southern California, where they began building a life together and raising their family. Judy was involved in local Little League and high school sports and taught aerobics at the YMCA. After Mike passed, Judy moved with her family to Portland, Ore., where her passion for sewing brought her great joy. In 2016, Judy moved to Portland, Maine, where she loved the beauty of Maine and made a happy home.
A devoted homemaker and talented seamstress, Judy poured her creativity, care, and steady love into her home and family. She was the proud mother of three children, Cheryl A. Richardson, Vicki L. Thistle, and Christopher McGrath, and, in every way that mattered, a mother to all the “strays” she ever met. Judy had a way of making people feel welcomed, fed, listened to, and loved, and her door and heart were always open.
She will be remembered for her generous spirit, quick wit, practical wisdom, and the comfort she brought to those around her. Whether through a handmade stitch, a home-cooked meal, a listening ear, or a place to land, Judy gave of herself freely and left people better for having known her.
Judy is survived by her loving family, including her three children, Jerry Richardson, Cheryl’s husband; her seven grandchildren, Christina, Matthew and his wife Julie, Jerry, Emily, Sara, and Zackary; her two great-grandchildren, Jalen and David; and the many friends who became family and were blessed by her love.
She was preceded in death by loved ones who surely welcomed her home.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff who cared for Judy over the past several years. Their compassion, patience, and steady support brought comfort to Judy and to all who loved her.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Judy’s love and laughter will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Friday July 24, at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland ME 04102. A Memorial Service to follow at 3 p.m.
To share memories of Judy or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit http://www.athutchins.com .
Those who wish may make donations in Judy’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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