Mathilda “Tillie’’ McGarrahan, 92, of Granite City and formerly of Venice, Illinois, passed away at 5:50 p.m. on Monday, January 25, 2021 at Stillwater Assisted Living in Edwardsville, surrounded by her four daughters. Tillie was born August 11, 1928 in Venice, Illinois, a daughter of the late Carl and Rose (Svezia) Ponce.
She married the love of her life, William J. “Bill” McGarrahan on November 25, 1948 at St. Mark Catholic Church in Venice and he passed away on October 31, 2019. Tillie first worked at the Venice Post Office and later retired from the Venice Public Library after many years as a librarian. She was an active in her earlier years at St. Mark Catholic Church in Venice and later became a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Granite City where she was active with the Funeral Committee and with Catholic Charities. She was active with Junior Service in Venice and had held various offices throughout the years.
She enjoyed reading and crocheting and was talented in floral design, writing and drawing. She cherished her daughters and grandchildren and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with her large extended family and many friends.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Margie (Michael) Stark of Edwardsville, Joan (Joe) Papes of Wildwood, Missouri, Janet (Bob) Nolan-Peranich of O’Fallon, Illinois and Mary Beth (Rick) Edwards of O’Fallon, Illinois; devoted grandchildren, Matthew (Danielle) Papes, Nathan Papes, Jonathan (Megan) Nolan, Erin Nolan, Megan Nolan, Natalie Edwards; loving great grandchildren, London Papes, Braxton Nolan and Camden Nolan; dear sisters, Annette Daniels of Granite City and Rosemary (Popeye) Paterson of Cary, Illinois; dear brothers, Joe (Barb) Ponce of O’fallon, Missouri and Ed (Denise) Ponce of St. Charles, Missouri; many nieces; nephews; other extended family and friends.
In addition to her beloved husband of 70 years, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Dave Nolan and a brother, Peter Ponce.
The McGarrahan family would like to extend a thank you to Stillwater Assisted Living in Edwardsville, for the care given to Tillie. They would also like to extend a special thank you to Remona Giles, Serena Giles, Elaina Giles and Glenda Pembrook, for the special care and love shown to Tillie and the family.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Granite City on Friday, February 5, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father Steve Thompson as celebrant.
Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville.
Memorial donations may be given to Holy Family Parish. Irwin Chapel of Glen Carbon in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com
