LACONIA ---- Mary Lisa McGrath-Haven, 58, of Laconia, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, after a lifetime struggle with chronic illness.
She is the youngest child of the late Robert and Donna McGrath, and is survived by her siblings, Ellen McGrath of Uyombo, Kenya and Thomas McGrath of Doha, Qatar, daughters Lindsey Thompson and husband Rob of Laconia, Hilary Daigle and husband Ben, of Lyman, Maine, grandchildren Ava and Avery Thompson, Noah and Sydney Daigle, nephews Colin Adams-McGrath and Andrew McGrath, former brother-in-law Mark Mamone and her beloved cat, Scout.
Mary was a LHS graduate of the Class of 1983 and a 1985 graduate of Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont.
As a young mother, Mary enjoyed family gatherings, especially birthdays, and created many memorable parties for her daughters.
She was, in her heart of hearts, an animal lover, (although terrified of snakes), an avid fan of Animal Planet, and the iconic “Squirrel Nut” at her complex, providing peanuts for the squirrels year-round; some of whom would come right up to her scooter to collect their due.
As a Juvenile-Onset diabetic, Mary had more than her fair share of chronic medical issues, and ensuing struggles with her emotional well-being. Despite all that, she soldiered on, making the best of things, as she could.
There will be no services, but the family has planned a Whale Watch for the Summer, to honor her wishes to be scattered at sea.
Donations in her memory may be made to: The New Hampshire Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247, or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation www.jdrf.org
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.