Margaret M. “Peggy” McGrath

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Margaret M. “Peggy” McGrath, DNSc, age 71, of Warwick, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 7, 2022.  She was the wife of the late Jeffrey A. Fox.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late John F. and Josephine M. (Ryan) McGrath, she lived in Warwick since 1955.  She earned her bachelor’s degree at Northeastern University, her master’s degree in nursing at Yale University, and a doctorate in nursing science at Boston University.

Dr. McGrath’s teaching career started at Rhode Island College in 1979. She served as a professor of nursing at the University of Rhode Island from 1985 to her retirement in 2005. She excelled in the nursing practice and instruction, but her passion was research. She focused on developmental issues of children born at medical risk and the responses of their families. Her work was recognized by the National Institute of Health, the Yale University School of Nursing and the American Academy of Nursing. She received the ‘Distinguished Alumna Award’ from the Yale University School of Nursing, ‘The Outstanding Researcher Award’ from the University of Rhode Island and the ‘Lifetime Research Achievement Award’ by the Rhode Island Chapter of the International Nursing honor Society, Sigma Theta Tau. In 2001, she was honored with a fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing, recognizing her extraordinary contributions and commitment to nursing.

She is survived by a son, Craig Fox and his wife Katie Bizzle, of Warwick; a daughter, Kara Fox and her husband James Wojtyszyn, of Gambrills, MD; and five grandchildren, Parker and Madelyn Fox, and Caleb, Collette, and Dylan Wojtyszyn.  She also leaves three brothers and a sister, Kevin McGrath of Wakefield, and John McGrath, Alice McGrath, and Timothy McGrath, all of California.  

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, August 13, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter Church, 350 Fair Street, Warwick.  The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

To leave condolence messages, please visit www.barrettandcotter.com