Mary Ann (Daniels) O'Grady

Mary Ann (Daniels) O’Grady, 82, of Ridgefield passed on to her well-earned reward in Heaven on Saturday, July 29, 2023. She was the loving wife of Thomas F. O’Grady.

Mary Ann was born in Newark, NJ on November 13, 1940; a daughter of the late Herbert and Margaret (Nolan) Daniels.

Mary Ann was raised in East Orange, NJ and attended Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newark. Her high school years were spent at Saint Vincent Academy in Newark. Upon graduation, she earned a scholarship to Misericordia University in Dallas, PA, from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education. She completed her clinical studies at Mercy Hospital in Wilkes Barre, PA and was awarded a Registered Nurse’s License in Pennsylvania. She began working at the Veterans Administration Hospital in East Orange, NJ and later became a nursing instructor in Pediatric Medicine for Saint Michael’s Hospital in Newark, NJ.

In 1967, Mary Ann wed Thomas F. O’Grady and focused her attention on starting and raising their family.

In 1976, the family moved to Ridgefield and have remained there to this day. During the early years in Ridgefield, in addition to raising her three sons, Thomas, James and Kevin, Mary Ann served as a Cub Scout den mother, a Catechist and Eucharistic Minister for Saint Mary’s Church, President of the Women’s Committee for the Ridgefield Community Center and was the co-chairperson of the Saint Mary’s Fall Festival. In addition, Mary Ann served on the Commission on Aging, RVNA Professional Advisory Committee and became the first Stephen Ministry leader for the Stephen Ministry at Saint Mary’s Church – the first of the Diocese of Bridgeport.

In 1982 after completing a refresher nursing course at Fairfield University, Mary Ann worked as an office nurse for Dr. May Leong. In 1986, she joined the staff of Hancock Hall and Filosa in Danbury as the Manager of Education and Training. She became the Director of Admissions for Hancock Hall and Filosa in 1990 and retired from her position in 2006.

She will be forever remembered as a compassionate listener and a woman who knew how to lead with a true sense of understanding. The world has lost a loving and caring person, but heaven has gained a wonderful addition.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 56 years, Thomas as well as her three sons; Thomas O’Grady and his wife, Lori; James O’Grady and his wife, Elizabeth and Kevin O’Grady and his wife, Kristyn. Mary Ann is also survived by her grandchildren; Meghan, James, Noah, Mason, Madeline, Caitlyn and Ryan as well as her sister, Cathy Ward; her nieces; Margaret Ward, Elizabeth Ward and Kathleen Barnickel and her nephews; Kevin O’Grady, John O’Grady and Mark O’Grady.

In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was predeceased by her older sister, Sr. Teresa Clare (Margaret). 

All of Mary Ann’s family and many friends mourn her loss and she will be dearly missed in this world but know that she is enjoying her reward with the Lord Jesus and his mother, Mary.

Mary Ann’s family would like to acknowledge the tremendous care provided to her by RVNA Health and Hospice.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, August 6, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 7, 2023 at 1:15 PM at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church; 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately.

Contributions in Mary Ann's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.

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