Waddington Heartbreak: Residents Mourn for Yvonne and Paul McGrath

 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, friends, and neighbors into profound sadness; however, the traits they exemplified—kindness, faith, laughter, and unwavering dedication—persist in providing comfort and cherished memories.

The funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the Lisbon Wesleyan Church, where Pastor Ray Seldon and Floyd McCallum will preside. After the service, burial will occur at White Church Cemetery in Lisbon. Visiting hours are organized for Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and later from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fox & Murray Funeral Home.

Surviving Yvonne and Paul are their children, Adam (Lauren) McGrath from Brasher Falls and Ashley (Cory) Dodgens of Easley, South Carolina, along with their grandchildren, Stella and Benjamin McGrath, who were a huge source of happiness in their lives.

Moreover, Yvonne is survived by her siblings, Channy (Susan) Planty of Rensselaer Falls and Dorotha (Gary) Jarrett from Stillwater, Pennsylvania.

Paul is survived by his brothers and sisters: Bob (Susie) McGrath of Ogdensburg, James McGrath of Waddington, Jack (Jennifer) McGrath from Tennessee, Michael (Twana) McGrath of Houston, Texas, Bill (Jackie) McGrath also from Houston, Tom McGrath from Austin, Texas, Jerry (Jane) McGrath of Lisbon, and Susan Duffy of Waddington. He was preceded in death by his twin sibling, Peter McGrath, along with a close friend, Blair Roethel.

Yvonne McGrath: A Life of Compassion, Faith, and Adventure

Born on March 16, 1959, in Ogdensburg to the late Maynard and Flossie (Baldock) Planty, Yvonne completed her education at Hugh C. Williams High School in Canton and continued her studies at Kingswood University, which was previously known as Bethany Bible College, located in New Brunswick, Canada.

State Police reports indicate that officers arrived at the location of a one-vehicle collision on State Highway 37 in Waddington around 7:45 a.m. on November 30. The driver, identified as 66-year-old Yvonne McGrath of Lisbon, was found critically injured and was transported to Canton–Potsdam Hospital, where she later died.

During the preliminary investigation of the accident, police went to the driver’s residence, which is also on State Highway 37. Upon arrival, investigators observed unusual circumstances and discovered a deceased male within the home. Multiple search warrants were executed at both sites.

Investigation Reveals Violent Domestic Incident

Initial inquiry findings indicated that Yvonne McGrath was assaulted earlier that same day by her 70-year-old husband, Paul N. McGrath, who also lived in Lisbon. Authorities reported that Yvonne was attacked while in bed and managed to escape by fleeing in a silver Buick Enclave before crashing a few miles away.

Subsequently, authorities found Paul McGrath deceased at the residence, suspected to be a suicide based on the initial investigation.

Autopsy Results Made Public

Autopsies performed on December 1 by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica at Glens Falls Hospital supported the conclusions of the investigation.

Yvonne McGrath’s death has been ruled a homicide, caused by sharp force injuries and significant blunt force trauma.