It is with great sadness that we inform you that Katie (Lafata) McGinley has passed away.
Katie was a devoted wife of 52 years to Jack McGinley (Past President, Kevin Barry Division #3), a wonderful mother to her eight children, and loving grandmother and great grandmother to her clan. She was also a co-owner of the family pub, McGinleys’ Golden Ace.
Obituary
Catherine M. “Katie” McGinley
April 14, 1934 – April 25, 2020
Katie McGinley died April 25, 2020 from pneumonia. Her 86th Birthday was April 14, 2020.
Katie died at home surrounded by love from her children and grandchildren. Katie loved her family. She was the youngest child of Mary (Green) and Joseph LaFata. Her siblings included, Joe LaFata (deceased) Dorothy (James) Ramsey (both deceased) Mary Ellen (deceased) Serita (Donald) deceased Lux and Margie (Leo) Rhoda. Katie was sister-in-law to the McGinley clan of the Golden Ace Inn. Mary Ann (Larry) Dillard, James (Mary Ann) deceased McGinley, Thomas Joe (Charlene) McGinley, Charles McGinley, Rosie (Connie) Caldwalder both deceases, Michael (Ann) McGinley and Daniel (Kathleen) deceased McGinley. Katie had 8 Children, Mary Catherine (David) Skripsky, Kevin (Brenda) McGinley, Vincent (John Block) McGinley, Ann McGinley (deceased), Jon (Novella) McGinley, Joseph (Renee) McGinley, Ellen (Mike) Funk and Christine McGinley. Katie had 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Katie was raised in St. Phillip Neri Parish, her husband John (Jack) McGinley knew each other since kindergarten and were married on September 11, 1954 until Jack’s death on January 22, 2007. They celebrated the first marriage ceremony at St. Bernadette Catholic Parish. Both were very active at St. Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish. Katie especially loved Bingo nights, Festivals and Tear-off tabs.
Katie was amazing, beautiful, and certainly independent. She had a strong-willed personality and would tell what needed to be done regarding any circumstance. Katie had a deep-rooted Catholic Faith and enjoyed developing relationships with the clergy and nuns within the Church. She loved her faith and was very generous to the Church.
She had many dear lifetime friends starting from St. Phillip’s that were cherished and enjoyed throughout adult life. Katie loved card playing, especially with her siblings, she loved holidays, especially Easter and Christmas. She made sure her Children had wonderful Christmas’, no matter how low the budget.
She was a fun entertainer, a whistler and passionately in love with all John Gary and Barbara Streisand music. She and her brother Joe LaFata were talented dancers and could really cut a rug with the jitterbug. Mom kept a pristine clean home with 8 kids…always. Late in life, living alone, Katie enjoyed being creative and started painting pictures in a very whimsical and primitive style.
Katie made an impression on all with her strength and no holds bar attitude. A lot of broken hearts will truly miss her.
Donations can be made to your favorite charity in Katie McGinley’s name. Per her request no flowers please.
Due to Covid 19, services will be announced at a later date. Details here.