Fahy, Mary – Fred H. McGrath & Son, Inc.

Mary Bridget Gilmurry Fahy was born on August 30, 1934, in Lissanurlan, County Longford, Ireland. She died peacefully the morning of February 24th 2026.

Mary was predeceased in death by her beloved husband Michael Fahy, loving parents John and Bridget Gilmurry (nee Culrevey), and siblings William and Rita Gilmurry.

She was the third oldest of nine siblings. In 1955, she left Ireland and made her way to New York City, where she worked as a nanny for many families. In 1960, Mary met the love of her life, Michael Fahy. They were married two years later at Good Shepherd Parish and built a beautiful life together, sharing 62 years of marriage before Michael’s passing in 2024. Mary was the devoted mother of John (Deirdre) Fahy and Kathleen (Vito) Onorato. She was a cherished grandmother to Sean (Cobi), Brian (Morgan), Brendan (Kelly), Stephen (Abigail) Fahy, and Elizabeth and Joseph Onorato, and a proud great-grandmother to Jack Michael and Kate Margaret Fahy.

Mary kept a warm and cheerful home, filling it with home-cooked meals, regular trips to Mass, and simple joys in the quiet moments between her daily chores. As a young mother raising her two children, she made her first home on 198th Street, with the Botanical Garden serving as her backyard and a treasured place for family memories.

Mary always made time for the things she loved. She treasured summers at Orchard Beach, Rockaway, and the Jersey Shore, where she delighted in playing in the sand with her young children and, later, her grandchildren. She also enjoyed vacations in the Catskills and Cape Cod. Her happiest trips were the ones that brought her home to Ireland. Every two years, she would spend six weeks surrounded by the family she loved most. Though she raised her own family in the Bronx, she kept her Irish traditions alive in her home and in her heart.

Mary contributed to her household by working for ten years in Manhattan as a caregiver for newborns, most of them boys. She loved each baby as if they were her own and often spoke fondly of the children she cared for. The last baby she looked after was a little girl named Kate, who held a special place in her heart.

Mary’s faith was the foundation of her life. Attending Mass was a daily devotion, not merely a weekly practice. In her later years, her rosary beads became her comfort and strength. They were the first thing she reached for in moments of both joy and sorrow.

After Mike’s retirement, they were blessed to spend four wonderful years living in Longford. Those early retirement years were filled with long walks, daily Mass, strolls through the fields, and the simple joy of reconnecting with one another after raising their two children.

In 1991, Mary and Mike moved to Eastchester, settling into their two-bedroom ground-floor co-op, which became their forever home. It was the home her grandchildren knew and loved. She cherished the memories of all six of her grandchildren coming through the back door, knowing that Nanny’s chocolate chip cookies, meatloaf dinners, and the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches a child could ask for were waiting for them. Nanny never missed an opportunity to share a story or hit the dance floor truly being the life of the party.

In October 2024, Mary was welcomed by the staff and nuns of the Wartburg Meadowview Assisted Living Facility where she spent her last 18 months surrounded by all that she cherished; walks around the beautiful grounds, going to mass daily, weekly visits from her grandsons and Wartburg celebrity Jack, Mary’s great-grandson, and sharing simple meals with her sister Terry, who immigrated 71 years ago with Mary.

Mary “Nanny” Fahy will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all those that had the pleasure of being loved by her.

Please join us at McGraths Funeral Home on Friday, February 27th at 4:00-8:00PM and Mass at Immaculate Conception Parish at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 28th

Condolences(14)

Bernard and mary creaven says
February 25, 2026 at 9:44 am

So sorry to hear of moms passing may she rest in peace
Tina Mishrigi says
February 25, 2026 at 2:19 pm

Our deepest sympathies to the family from Hutch and Tina
Margherita Reis and Family says
February 25, 2026 at 3:01 pm

Kathleen, Viti, Elizabeth and Joseph. Our deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved mom and nanny.
May she rest in peace and be reunited with her partner 🙏
Liz (Pelley) Hoo Sang says
February 25, 2026 at 3:02 pm

My deepest condolences Kathleen, family and friends. Praying for comfort in this difficult time.

Liz Pelley
Margaret Chetwood says
February 25, 2026 at 3:32 pm

Sending Love and Deepest Sympathy to you John Kathleen and all your families.My Dearest Sister Mary at peace High in Heaven. I’m reliving all the memories.
Of her Loving Caring Life to all of us.A true example to follow. Mary lived life to the full every Day. Family was her greatest joy. I will miss her phone calls and just to hear her warm encouraging voice and laughter.
Rest in Peace my Beautiful Sister Mary. I will Love you forever. ❤️🌹🙏
Mary & Michael O’Connell, Galway says
February 25, 2026 at 3:51 pm

To Kathleen, John and family. We are so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
Roger, Liz, Adam and Mischa Fahy says
February 25, 2026 at 4:04 pm

Our sincere condolences to you all on the sad passing of Mary.
Mary, your kindness and the beautiful legacy you leave behind will never be forgotten. Those who knew you were truly blessed. Reunited with Sonny, may you rest peacefully.
Nancy Marques says
February 25, 2026 at 9:28 pm

Kathleen, Vito, Elizabeth and Joseph. My deepest condolences for your loss. May loving memories of your mother and nana help you find peace. Thinking of you and wishing you strength and comfort . My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this sorrowful time.
Vince Bowler says
February 26, 2026 at 3:50 am

Dearest John, Kathleen and families so sorry to hear your terrible news, sending you all our love and support from London! Sorry we can’t be there but know we are thinking and praying for you all ❤️
All our love always Vince, Jackie and family
Elizabeth Bowler says
February 26, 2026 at 4:23 am

Heartfelt condolences and our deepest sympathy to Kathleen, John, and your families for the passing of your Mother and our beautiful Sister Mary who we will all miss so very dearly.
Mary will be in our thoughts and prayers where we shall cherish her memory for eternity.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis – May her faithful soul rest in peace
Kailla says
February 26, 2026 at 9:42 am

Kathleen, Viti, Elizabeth, Joseph + family, we send our heartfelt condolences on the passing of. your dear mom and nanny. May she rest in peace.
With love, Kailla & Richard
Cathy says
February 26, 2026 at 9:57 am

Deepest condolences to your family, incredible mother, grandmother, great grandmother, may she best rested with our Heavenly Father!
Cristina, Peter, Nicholas & Alexia Choy says
February 27, 2026 at 8:22 pm

Kathleen, Vito, Elizabeth and Joseph. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you shared with her. May she rest in eternal peace. Lots of love from The Choy Family.
Kathleen Duggan says
February 28, 2026 at 9:15 pm

My deepest condolences and prayers especially for you Kathleen and Johnnie. Although I only knew your Mom for a brief time here at Wartburg we became walking companions and shared so much about our time in the Bronx and at Our Lady of Refuge parish. I truly will miss her and all of you. You are a beautiful family and it has been a blessing to get to know you. Thank you for the privilege of accompanying your dear Mom in her last days. She will always be with you . And I will treasure my time with your Mom and you, Kathleen and Johniie. Until we meet again, may God be with you as you grieve your Mom’s passing.
Blessings, Sr. Kathaleen

Fahy, Mary August 30, 1934 - February 24, 2026

Condolences(14)

Bernard and mary creaven says

Tina Mishrigi says

Margherita Reis and Family says

Liz (Pelley) Hoo Sang says

Margaret Chetwood says

Mary & Michael O’Connell, Galway says

Roger, Liz, Adam and Mischa Fahy says

Nancy Marques says

Vince Bowler says

Elizabeth Bowler says

Kailla says

Cathy says

Cristina, Peter, Nicholas & Alexia Choy says

Kathleen Duggan says

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