The community of Lisbon is mourning the devastating loss of Yvonne and Paul McGrath, who passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Their departure has plunged family members, friends, and neighbors into profound grief; yet, the legacies they created—filled with kindness, faith, laughter, and unwavering dedication—continue to offer comfort and cherished memories.
Funeral arrangements are scheduled for Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the Lisbon Wesleyan Church, with Pastor Ray Seldon and Floyd McCallum officiating the service together. After the ceremony, burial will occur at the White Church Cemetery in Lisbon. Visitation hours are set for Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and then from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fox & Murray Funeral Home.
Yvonne and Paul are survived by their children, Adam (Lauren) McGrath from Brasher Falls and Ashley (Cory) Dodgens from Easley, South Carolina; in addition to their grandchildren, Stella and Benjamin McGrath, who brought them considerable happiness.
Furthermore, Yvonne is survived by her siblings, Channy (Susan) Planty of Rensselaer Falls and Dorotha (Gary) Jarrett of Stillwater, Pennsylvania.
Paul is survived by his brothers and sisters, Bob (Susie) McGrath from Ogdensburg, James McGrath from Waddington, Jack (Jennifer) McGrath from Tennessee, Michael (Twana) McGrath from Houston, Texas, Bill (Jackie) McGrath from Houston, Texas, Tom McGrath from Austin, Texas, Jerry (Jane) McGrath from Lisbon, and Susan Duffy from Waddington. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Peter McGrath, as well as a close friend, Blair Roethel.
Yvonne McGrath: A Life of Kindness, Faith, and Exploration
Yvonne was born on March 16, 1959, in Ogdensburg to the late Maynard and Flossie (Baldock) Planty. She graduated from Hugh C. Williams High School in Canton and furthered her education at Kingswood University, previously known as Bethany Bible College, in New Brunswick, Canada.
As per reports from State Police, officers arrived at the site of a single-vehicle accident on State Highway 37 in Waddington at approximately 7:45 a.m. on November 30. The driver, later identified as 66-year-old Yvonne McGrath from Lisbon, was found with severe injuries. She was transported to Canton–Potsdam Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
During the early investigation into the crash, law enforcement visited the driver’s residence, also located on State Highway 37. Upon arrival, investigators noted unusual circumstances and discovered a deceased male within the home. Multiple search warrants were executed at both locations.
Investigation Uncovers Violent Domestic Incident
An initial inquiry revealed that Yvonne McGrath had been attacked earlier that same morning by her 70-year-old spouse, Paul N. McGrath, who also lived in Lisbon. Authorities reported that Yvonne was assaulted in her bed and was able to escape by fleeing in a silver Buick Enclave before colliding a few miles away.
Later, officers found Paul McGrath deceased inside the home, with investigators believing it to be a suicide.
Autopsy Findings Released
Autopsies performed on December 1 by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica at Glens Falls Hospital validated the conclusions of the investigation.
Yvonne McGrath’s death has been ruled a homicide, resulting from sharp force and significant blunt force trauma.
Remembering Yvonne McGrath
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