Shirley J. (Johnson) McGrath, 73, surrounded by her family, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 16, 2008. She is survived by her beloved husband and best friend, Charles McGrath Sr.; two daughters, Susan D’Orazio and her husband Tony of Worcester, MA; and Christine McGrath of Daytona, FL; two sons, Charles McGrath Jr. and his wife Nancy of Spencer, MA; Steven McGrath of Yardley, PA; and a close family friend and “adopted” son, George Bergin of Westford, MA; eight grandchildren, Heather, Kelly, Sean, Kristen, Erin, Ashley, Patrick, and Giuliano, and three great-grandchildren, Raymond, Ryan, and Mitchell, and two on the way. She also leaves behind one sister, Donna Flagg of York, ME, and three brothers, Jack Johnson and his wife Marlene of York, ME; David Johnson and his wife Shirley of Worcester, MA; and Harold Johnson and his wife Paulene of South Carolina. In addition she leaves many nieces and nephews.

   Shirley was born and raised in Worcester before moving to Westboro, MA. She eventually moved to Portsmouth, NH in 1976 and purchased a restaurant, Cafe Capezio, which she operated with her husband until her retirement in 1996.

   She loved doing volunteer work at Saint James Church, including Mercy Meals and the Prayer Line. She also attended Second Wind classes at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Shirley was devoted to her family and loved vacationing with them on Cape Cod. She also enjoyed her beloved Red Sox and Patriots, as well as watching golf with her husband, the love of her life.

   Calling hours are Monday, March 24th from 5:00 until 8:00 PM in J. Verne Wood Funeral Home, 84 Broad Street, Portsmouth, NH. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 25th at Saint James Church, 2075 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH. Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Seacoast Hospice, 10 Hampton Rd, Exeter, NH 03833.