Obituary of Barbara Tarascio-McGrath

Barbara Jean McGrath (née Tarascio), 81, of Jefferson, NJ passed away to join her husband Thomas on August 31, 2024.

Barbara was born on January 27, 1943, to Louis and Louise Tarascio in Newark, NJ. Growing up, she enjoyed roller skating and spending time with her friends. Through the course of her younger life, she worked as owner of a dry cleaner and as an administrative assistant for Mennen Corporation.

Barbara had a heart for her family, taking care of them however she could. She was a loving and caring wife to her husband Thomas, with them often saying that they wished they had met each other sooner so that they could have loved each other longer. She was always patient and loved having sleepovers with her grandchildren in their early years. She had all the pictures of her grandchildren and great grandchildren that she could find hung in her home where she could see them and would pray for them and say goodnight to them every single night.

She also enjoyed crafting and often shared her love with the community by creating lap blankets and donating them to be used by the elderly and families in need. When money was scarce and her children were young, she would use scrap fabric and trimmings to make Christmas decorations to lift their spirits. She loved to paint ceramic figurines with acrylics and was a keen collector. Her numerous collections included crystal figurines, depression glass, cookbooks, and antique hats.

Barbara is survived by her children John McGrath and his wife Rachel of Blooming Grove, PA, and Robert McGrath of Lake Ariel, PA; her grandchildren Jessica, Heather, Eric Allen, Angela, Richard, Eric Thomas, James, and Joseph; and her great grandchildren Shelby, Taylor, Morgan, Eric Jr., Kyler, Toby, and Abigail. She is also survived by her sister Arlene Santoro and her brother Louis Tarascio. She was briefly predeceased by her husband Thomas Michael McGrath. She was also predeceased by her parents Louis and Louise Tarascio and her children Donna Lynn Tarascio, Lyle Patrick Smith, and Joseph Charles McGrath.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at the American Legion in Jefferson Township, NJ on September 22, 2024, 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be sent to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Footprints in the Sand-

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints; other times there was only one.

During the low periods of my life, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said, "You promised me, Lord, that you would walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most, have you not been there for me?"

The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you."