Orvella R. Shaw McGrath Obituary (1937 - 2024)

Born Dec 06, 1937, Orvella R. Shaw McGrath attended Zanesville High School in Zanesville, OH. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Orvella R. Shaw Mcgrath.

Graduation Year	Class of 1955
Date of Birth	Dec 06, 1937
Date of Passing	Mar 11, 2024
About	Orvella Rose Shaw McGrath, a vibrant soul, peacefully passed away on March 11, 2024 in Sarasota surrounded by family. Orv was born December 6, 1937 in East Fultonham, Ohio. She is survived by her loving partner of 21 years, Doyle "Bill" Hilson, of Sarasota, Florida, son Scott (Kim) Avery of Greenville, NC, son Todd (Mary) Avery of Jacksonville, Florida. She also is survived by grandchildren Blake Hodges (Paola Ureta) of Greenville, NC, Ben Avery (Victor Acacio) of Chicago, IL, Ford Avery (Lyuba Bolkhovitinov) of Cambridge, MA, Eleanor Rose Avery (Davis Connors) of Chicago, IL, Hannah Scott Avery of Honolulu, HI, and Alexandra Grant Avery (Wesley) Redington of Norfolk, VA. She was preceded in death by her daughter Lynn Denise Avery, parents Cleo Belle Shaw and Robert Shaw, and grandparents Elma Tippie Cowan and Orville Cowan. Valedictorian of Zanesville High School (OH) Class of 1955 and an honors graduate of Alfred University (NY), she dedicated herself not only to her family but also to her professional life, working as a ceramic engineer at Nelson McCoy pottery and as a teacher of both high school and college mathematics. Her love for travel knew no bounds; she traveled to every continent except Antarctica and it was on the list. She and Bill spent many happy hours traveling the country with Airstream clubs. Orv's adventurous spirit was matched by her talent for hosting vibrant and joyous gatherings. She and Bill enjoyed hosting seafood boils from the crabs Bill caught behind the house. Any holiday was a good opportunity for a potluck at her house. Her parties were legendary, bursting with the laughter of friends and family. Her home was a hub of warmth and hospitality, where everyone felt welcome.

Classmate Memories

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Willits Sawyer '56 said:

My sister Juliana Sawyer 55 really liked Orvella and they remained friends for life. My sister passed three years ago. She lived the last 50 years of her life in Lubeck, Germany

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