October 1, 2014

Ogdensburg – The St. Joseph’s Foundation dedicated a new memorial wall Sept. 18, built with a donation from the McGrath family of Ogdensburg to honor their parents Joan and Lloyd McGrath. Mrs. McGrath is currently a resident at St. Joseph’s.

The memorial wall was initiated by the St. Joseph’s Foundation to eliminate potential damage to the named bricks which were originally placed in the ground along the edge of the circle drive.  In that position the bricks were subject to mower and snow plow damage and were less visible to visitors entering the nursing home. 

In order to make the bricks  more noticeable and honor the donors who wished to remember their families and loved ones, the foundation members decided to seek a more suitable and visible location for their display.

Landscape architect and Ogdensburg native, Ed Basta, donated a concept and design to honor his own parents.
Former foundation director, Joyce Kelso secured a donation from the McGrath family which allowed the project to go forward

“This location on the circle presents these memorial gifts in such a way that they may be better appreciated and remain out of harm’s way.  ” said  Bob Leroux, Foundation Board member. “Residents and families can relax among these carved granite bricks in an atmosphere that is conducive to reflection and good memories.”

Future plans include accommodations to include more bricks with viewing benches, landscaping and lighting. 
St. Joseph’s Home is the only Catholic nursing home in the Diocese of Ogdensburg.

Information about making donations to the home through the foundation is available from Sandra Porter, the current director at 315-394-0463.

Photo by Mary Lou Kilian
The McGrath Family of Ogdensburg made a donation to St. Joseph’s Foundation to build a memorial wall at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Ogdensburg. Shown during the Sept. 18 dedication of the wall are, front, Lloyd and Joan McGrath; back, Father F. James Shurtleff, pastor of Notre Dame in Ogdensburg who regularly celebrates Mass at St. Joseph’s; Katy Pinkerton, Bob McGrath, Suzie McGrath, Jane McGrath, Jerry McGrath, Paul McGrath, Susan McGrath Duffy, Nicole Duffy, Yvonne McGrath, Colleen Steele, administrator of St. Joseph’s; and Father Scott Belina, parochial vicar of St. Mary’s Cathedral who blessed the wall. Other family members who donated to the project were Jim and Karen McGrath, Jack McGrath, Mike and Twanna McGrath, Bill McGrath, Tom McGrath, and 36 grandchildren and great grandchildren.