Obituary of Patricia A. O'Grady

Patricia (Patsy) A. O’Grady, 93 of Toms River passed away peacefully Sunday, January 12, 2025 at her daughter’s home in Millburn. Born on September 30th, 1931, Patricia, lovingly known as “Grandma Lovie”, dedicated her life to spreading love, joy, and a profound sense of family.

Born in Newark to Thomas and Nancy (Kenny) Coffey. A graduate of St. James’ High School, she began her career as a bookkeeper for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. While raising her six beloved children, she also worked as a physical education teacher at St. Michael’s School. Later, she pursued her career as a bank teller and ultimately retired as a compassionate caregiver, a role that epitomized her selfless and nurturing nature.

A constant source of support, she never missed a special moment. Whether it was a birthday, recital, game, or graduation, she was there with her Kodak camera in hand, ready to capture the memory. Her home was always full of music, laughter and many cups of tea. We will always remember her double-hand waves at the door as loved ones drove away, and her tender “pleasant dreams” at the end of the day. To her, family was everything, and she made every one of us feel like her greatest treasure. Her legacy is one of boundless love, unwavering support, and countless cherished memories. Her beautiful smile and contagious laugh will be etched in our memories forever. 

Patricia was predeceased by her parents Thomas Coffey and Nancy (Kenny) Coffey, her husband Philip A. O’Grady, son Kevin J. O’Grady, daughter Patricia Morrison, son Philip A. O’Grady Jr., her siblings Mary Klein, Anna Slater, and Thomas Coffey. She is survived by her children Dennis O’Grady (Adele), Colleen Cunningham (Bernard), and Eileen Keating (Robert), daughter-in-law Irma O’Grady and son-in-law, Thomas Morrison, grandchildren Claire Caruso, Kevin O’Grady, Sean O’Grady, Erin Christensen, Ryan O’Grady, Thomas Morrison, Brian Morrison, Brigid Cunningham, Nora Cunningham, Deirdre Cunningham, Jacquelyn Keating, Catherine Keating, Marilyn Keating, Philip A. O’Grady III, and Ana O’Grady. She is also survived by 5 great grandchildren, Carmen, Joseph, Cali, Lia, and Danny.

A visitation will be held Thursday from 4-8 PM at The Jacob Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Ave., Maplewood. A funeral mass will take place at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Ave., Short Hills on Friday January 17^th at 11:15 AM. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905 would be appreciated.