Memorial services to celebrate the life of Evelyn Edelen McGrath, 55, a resident of Davenport will be Friday, April 12, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at the Halligan – McCabe – DeVries Funeral Home, 614 Main Street, downtown Davenport. The family will greet friends at the funeral home Friday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. Following her wishes cremation rites have been accorded, and private family inurnment will take place.
Evelyn died Monday, April 8, 2013 at St. Mary’s Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. She passed after a courageous and valiant 30-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.
Evelyn was born June 4, 1957, in Arlington, Virginia, a daughter of Andrew Rapp and Dorothy Evelyn (Ward) Edelen. She was united in marriage to Thomas McGrath, he preceded her in death.
She graduated from Assumption High School class of 1975; she then attended the University of Northern Iowa. She began a career in the banking/financial service industry, and most recently was employed for many years as a financial administrative assistant for the investment office of MidAmerica Securities Management Company.
Evelyn greatest joy in life was her family; she found great comfort and peace from their love and support.
She was a very civic-minded individual and volunteered her time and talents willingly. She was active at the Davenport Museum of Art as a Docent and President of the Volunteer Guild. She served as a Cub Scout Den Leader. She had served as a member of the board of the local NAACP chapter. She was very involved at Churches United serving on its board for many years including President in 2008-2009. She was chairperson of the Churches United Social Ministry Committee from 2001-2010.
Memorials can be made to an educational fund for her youngest son, Brendan.
Those left to cherish her memory include her three children, Victoria McGrath and her fiancé, Keith Ewing, New Jersey, Andrew McGrath, Des Moines, Iowa and Brendan Lampkin, Davenport; a sister, Andrea R. Edelen, Davenport, special friend, Matthew Tarnow, Milan, Illinois; aunt, Louise Makle, Washington, D.C.; and a niece, Hilary (David) Gerdts, North Liberty.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Andrew Bernard Edelen. May they rest in peace.
Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Evelyn’s obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.
