Susan Beth (Hilton) McGrath

Susan Beth McGrath (née Hilton), age 84, passed away on March 12, 2026, in Newton, Massachusetts. 

Susan was born on February 24, 1942, in Ogden, Utah, where her mother, Helen, was staying with relatives while her father, Leo, served in the Navy in WWII. When Leo returned from the Pacific, the family moved to Sturgis, Michigan, where Susan and her two siblings, Greg and Cindy, were raised under the watchful eyes of their parents and grandmother, Dessi. 

After graduating from high school, Susan spent several years as a novitiate with the Adrian Dominican Sisters in southern Michigan, exploring her devotion to Catholicism. Although she ultimately chose another path, the Dominican teachings of service, social justice, and equality guided Susan throughout her life. Soon after setting out on a new path, Susan met the love of her life, Joseph McGrath, at a friend’s wedding in Sturgis. Joe was a cantor at the service, and his baritone voice apparently proved persuasive enough that she agreed to a date. That choice led to a 58 year partnership. 

In December 1967, Susan and Joe were married at St. Mary’s Newman Center in Ann Arbor. The same month, Susan earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Michigan. Deeply committed to academics, Susan and Joe moved several times early in their marriage to study at universities in Dayton, Albuquerque, and Syracuse, where Susan earned her Master's in Chemistry in 1973. Ultimately the call of the Maize and Blue drew them back to Ann Arbor, where they settled in 1975 to raise their three daughters, Claire, Meghan, and Tara. 

With degrees in education and science, Susan enjoyed a 30-year teaching career, taking great pride in the achievements of her students. During many years with the Ann Arbor public schools, Susan first taught at Clague Middle School, followed by more than two decades as an AP Chemistry teacher at Huron High School. Known as a disciplined and demanding educator, Susan held every student to exacting standards. She believed deeply in the importance of intellectual rigor. 

In retirement, Susan and Joe moved to Massachusetts, first to Burlington, then settling in Newton Upper Falls. Retirement offered Susan time to develop her gift for watercolor painting, a skill she approached with the same focus and dedication she brought to teaching. Susan also loved reading, particularly science fiction novels, exploring imaginative worlds through literature. 

Susan was also a passionate sports fan and loved cheering for her alma mater, the University of Michigan. Though she began life far from New England, Susan enthusiastically converted to become a fiercely loyal — and sometimes vocally opinionated — Boston sports fan. She was committed to following the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots, rarely missing a game on TV and celebrating both victories and heartbreaks with equal fervor.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Helen (née Higgenbotham) and Leo Hilton, and by her siblings, Gregory E. Hilton (Suzette) and Cynthia Hildenbrand. 

She is survived by her husband, Joe; daughter Dr. Claire E. McGrath (Gary W. Phillips) and children Jackson Brennan and Samuel Brennan; daughter Dr. Meghan E. McGrath (Dr. R. Christopher Sheldrick) and children, Caleb Joseph and Peter Radley; daughter Hon. Tara K. McGrath (Col. Douglas C. Hatch, USMC Ret.) and children, Liam McGrath, Helen Paige, and Millicent Claire; as well as loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. 

Susan’s grandchildren brought her immense pride and she treasured every moment she spent with them. She will be remembered for her intelligence, discipline, creativity, and the strength of character that defined her life. Susan will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and the many students whose lives she influenced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of the following organizations: (1) Donate | Rosie’s Place, a women’s shelter serving the Boston area; (2) Donate | The ACLU, defending the rights of all people, nationwide; or (3) Donate | The Rheumatology Research Foundation, advancing treatment and finding cures for RA. 

Funeral Mass will be held at 10am on 3/18 at St. Ignatius Church 28 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill.  Visitation will start in the church at 9:30am.

The gravesite service (open to all family and friends) will be held immediately following Mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 57 Wellesley Ave., Needham.

For online guestbook and directions, please visit www.lehmanreen.com

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