Kate Foster Robertson McGraw
Kate Foster Robertson McGraw, 84, of Hamden, passed away on July 28, 2013. Kate was born in Sewickley, PA, the first of dozens of cousins in a tight-knit family. She graduated from Scarsdale High School, Scarsdale, NY, 1946. She received a B.A. in psychology from Smith College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1950. Kate then received an M.A. in Child Development from Teachers College, Columbia University 1951 and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Wyoming 1954, as well as many advanced certifications over the years. Kate was married to Robert B. McGraw Jr on June 21, 1951 in Scarsdale, NY; they were married for 63 years. Together they lived over the years in Laramie, Wyoming, Salt Lake City, Utah and several towns in Connecticut including Hamden, Orange, Westport, Fairfield, and then Hamden again. Over the years they enjoyed many trips throughout the world. Kate is survived by her husband Robert B. McGraw Jr of Hamden; daughter, Sarah McGraw (husband Jeffrey Levine; children Ruth and Adam) of Westport; sons, Matthew McGraw (wife Carrie; children, Jane and Elizabeth) of Portland, OR and Peter McGraw (wife Lillian; children Michael and Kristina) of Severna Park, MD; sisters, Myrta Macdonald and Ellen Matthews both of Southern Pines, NC. Kate was predeceased by her father, Harold Foster Robertson and mother, Mary Eugenia Gardner Robertson. Kate worked in many positions in the educational field including Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services, Westport School District 1977-1994, School Psychologist and Coordinator of Special Services for the Ansonia School District 1970-1977, Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychology at Albertus Magnus College and Staff Psychologist at the Yale Psycho-Educational Clinic Yale University 1959-1970. Kate took great pride in her many volunteer activities. Her vision and her persistence were instrumental in founding Project Return, a residential environment for adolescent girls and young women in crisis in Westport. In addition, Kate served on numerous boards including the United Way of Westport-Weston, the Westport Library, and A Better Chance of Westport. She was a member of the Westport Rotary Club and served on committees of The Unitarian Church in Westport and committees at the Beardsley Elementary School of Bridgeport. Kate's concern for those in need, her drive and organization capability yielded results that benefited many. Kate won numerous awards and certificates of recognition for her professional and volunteer work but her greatest joy came for engaging with people from all walks of life. She was a good, caring friend to many people and will be sorely missed. Kate's Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on August 17, 2013 at The Unitarian Church in Westport, 10 Lyons Plains Rd, Westport, CT 06880. BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden in care of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Kate's memory to Project Return, 124 North Compo Road, Westport, CT 06880 www.projectreturnct.org
Dear Bob and family, A special woman, friend and a great loss to all of us. I will always remember her with loving fondness.
Dear Bob and family, It is with sorrow that I read of Kate’s passing in the Register. I enjoyed your visits when I was practicing dentistry and the great conversations from Kate and you. Thank you for the trust you had in me. With many happy memories. Dr. Charles A. Schlegel
Dear Bob,Sarah,and family Ann & I are so sad this morning to read of Kate’s passing. What a wonderful lady. She was not only a client, but a friend. She loved her work, her children,and grandchildren. She had a positive outlook,and saw the glass half full. Kate will be missed.I am so lucky to have had her in my life. Bob, My prayers go out to you. Love to all of you Tom & Ann Gallo
I was saddened to hear the news of a friend of mine, Kate McGraw. A true leader in the field of pupil services, Kate was a sensitive, fair and supportive administrator throughout my tenure as a teacher in the special ed. dept. at Staples HS. She had an obvious affinity for the children and parents she had worked with, and will be missed.
So sorry we couldn’t attend the funeral. Johnny and Christa
We were quite sad to learn of Kate’s passing. She was quite important to both of us when we were teaching in Westport. We were all involved in the early days of Project Return. She was integral to its success. We also knew her as a mother and grandmother – roles she seemed to handle wonderfully. She will be missed.