Saturday, November 5 | 11:00 AM

Cynthia McGarvey passed away peacefully at home, age 90, on October 27, 2022.

The daughter of Elmer and Margaret Gray, she was born in St. Paul on July 26, 1932. Cynthia grew up in Highland Park and graduated from St. Joseph's Academy, where she was popular with all. She was named Miss Judy O'Rule as a sophomore which granted her a chaperoned sightseeing trip to New York City. She hosted her own radio show, "Time for Teens" and was homecoming queen at several private boys' schools. Active in the St. Paul Winter Carnival she was crowned Snow Princess in 1950. She married Robert McGarvey Jr. in 1953 and they shared many happy years in Edina, Naples, Florida, and at the Gull Lake cabin, until Bob's death in 2001. She modeled the latest clothes in countless fashion shows, was a member of the Minneapolis Women's Club, and perfected the art of the dinner party. Cynthia had a wide circle of friends, playing tennis and bridge, and taking part in two investment clubs. She enjoyed volunteering in the Edina Public Schools, teaching CCD at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, and had a fabulous eye for interior design focusing on color and space.

Our mother was a kind, caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in life with courage and dignity. She instilled in us the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right. She will always be in our hearts with many happy memories and will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Margaret Gray, her sister Judy, and loving husband, Robert McGarvey Jr. She is survived by her son, Scott R. McGarvey (Tammy), Susan McGarvey Latta (Rob) and Laurie McGarvey Jordahl (Mark); eight grandchildren, Ryan (Caitlin), Kristen and Robbie Latta, Kelly, Casey and Matty McGarvey and Andy and Scott Jordahl, and one great grandson, Henry Latta. Special heartfelt thanks to "Becky's Angels" for taking such incredible care of Mom these last few years.

The funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church on November 5 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, or a charity of your choosing.