Sheila Belle Mcgrath

WESTERLO---- Sheila Belle (Hanley) McGrath- 1936-2021

We lost the best nurse we ever had.
In her prime, she pioneered the Physician's Associate field, before the Physician's Assistant College Degree existed. She had surgical privileges at four hospitals and her expertise was sought after by doctors as far away as the Caribbean.

Sheila was an OR nurse and supervisor and became the prime surgical assistant for a maxillofacial surgeon. She was certified in acupuncture and it was well known she had the "best touch". Sheila finished her nursing career as an Industrial Nurse for Hannah Hose Reel.

We lost the best person we ever knew.
Left us to join her two brothers Jim A. Hanley, Bob Hanley, and dear cousin Patty Ryan-Babenis as well as her parents James P. Hanley & Marion Hanley. She was the wife of 49 years to her loving and devoted husband F. Eugene McGrath, mother of three children Kayle Pitcher (Jeff), Kelly Davis (Jim) and Jay Henry, a grandmother of 10, a great grandmother of 16 of whom she loved and adored. She was warm, encouraging and always had time for the least of us. She gave us the best of life's lessons to carry us through on our own.

Sheila was born on May 23, 1936, raised in Colonie, NY and graduated in 1954 from Roessleville High School bringing great joy to all who experienced her. She passed her body on August 7, 2021.

Her spirit will always be with us!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her calling hours on Friday August 13, 2021 from 4 to 6 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. All are invited to attend her Celebration of Life to follow at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sheila's memory may be made to the Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation, 71 Prospect Ave., Hudson, New York 12534 or www.givecmh.org.

To leave a special message for the family, please visit NewComerAlbany.com