Margaret Scannell McGrath, a long-time resident of Columbia County, died at the Glendale Home in Scotia, New York, on February 29 at the age of 96.  She moved to the Glendale Home four years ago to be near her daughter, Patricia Malizia and her family.  A native of Montclair, NY who was reared in New York City, Mrs. McGrath moved to Ghent in 1944 where she joined her parents and brothers who had bought a farm.   At that time her husband, Sergeant John F. McGrath was overseas serving in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II.  He joined her and their daughter, Kathleen, when he was discharged from the service.  She remained a resident of Columbia County until complications from a broken hip caused her to leave her home. Mrs. McGrath is predeceased by her husband John F. McGrath, her oldest daughter, Kathleen Knobel, and her second husband Stewart H. Wooley.  She is survived by her children Eileen Bruno of Keesville, N.Y., Susan McGrath of  Decatur, GA, Patricia Malizia of Scotia, N.Y., Janet McGrath of Action, MA, Maria Mackenty of Edgartown, MA, John McGrath of Castleton, NY, and James McGrath of Easton, MA.  She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren and eleven great-grand children.  Calling hours will be Thursday March 3rd from 10am to 11:30am at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. James Church, Chatham, at noon. Interment will follow at St. James Cemetery. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com. Margaret She comes from Waiger Mountain, Up on the Hill, God's Country, She comes from an amazing family: Helen, Iggy, Tom, Bob, Jack, Jim and Bill, Each sharing their own unique qualities, Through the numerous chapters of their lives, She comes from a Christian education, Where she learned to be strong and do what the Sister's said, She comes from a love affair with Mac, a man who appreciated and dearly loved all that Margaret, Peggy, Mom was, She comes from predictable servings of meat and potatoes, That always filled each and everyone with warmth and love, Everyone was always welcome in the McGrath house, She comes was from an extended family of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends, where parties on "The Hill" Are moments that we will always treasure, She comes from poetry writing, saying the rosary, sending birthday cards, Christmas shopping in Georgia and gift giving for no particular reason, Wanting to get the right gift for each and everyone she loved, Mom never forgot anyone, She comes from, "Payne Foundation Good Evening," Mom's other life, Where she discovered and unleashed her numerous hidden talents, They so loved Peg, She comes from the responsibilities of parenting, Mom's number one priority, A woman forever dedicated to her children, who learned the value of family and what really matters in life, She comes from adventures in Paradise, where she traveled the globe, Discovering new places, people and ways of living, And she comes from a life time of giving, a person so dedicated to her family, Every child a precious jewel, The light will always shine on you Mom, Your love for others has touched the hearts of those who have been lucky enough to have known you, And we will forever be grateful, We know your life was a journey, both difficult and wonderful, And you always moved forward with grace, In our eyes you are a true hero, That's where she comes from.