In Memory of Lael McGrath, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family

Lael McGrath Obituary

September 30, 1951 ~ August 5, 2026 (age 74)

Lael L. McGrath passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born into a military family in Pensacola, Florida, on September 30, 1951, Lael spent her childhood living in seven different states before her family settled in Toms River, New Jersey, where she spent the remainder of her life. She graduated from the original Toms River High School in 1969. She then attended Ocean County College, where she met her beloved husband of 50 years, before earning her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Montclair State University in 1974.

Lael began her career with United Airlines before pursuing her passion for health and fitness. From 1980 to 1990, she proudly owned and operated The Sweat Shop aerobic studios in four locations throughout Ocean County. Long before fitness became a trend, she inspired countless people to believe in themselves and live healthier lives. She later continued her work as a personal trainer. Before retiring in 2015, she spent many years teaching in the Toms River Regional School District, a career she truly loved and embraced with all her heart.

For Lael, fitness was never simply a hobby; it was a way of life. At age 40, she won first place in the Gold’s Gym Classic bodybuilding competition. At 56, she completed the 60-mile Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk in San Diego, raising awareness and support in the fight against breast cancer. In her later years, Lael found her greatest peace and happiness through the practice of yoga. To her, yoga was more than a practice; it was a part of her heart.

Toms River Obituaries – TomsRiver.org

Lael’s strength was measured not only by her physical accomplishments but also by the resilience and optimism she carried through every challenge life placed before her. After receiving a bone marrow transplant in 2016, Lael’s gratitude for life grew. To honor her neighbors, friends, and family who supported her, and the anonymous donor who had given her a second chance at life, she organized a Be The Match registry drive and outdoor party to encourage young adults to join the bone marrow registry. Years later, Lael was blessed with the opportunity to meet her 18-year-old donor, Wiebke Rudolph of Germany. The two shared many visits and maintained a loving relationship for the rest of Lael’s life.

Outside of her many accomplishments, Lael found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved traveling with her family, riding on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, paddleboarding, taking walks, and generously giving her time to planning and fundraising for Extended Arms of New Jersey.

Of all the things Lael did throughout her life, none brought her greater pride than being a wife, mother, and Nana. Her family was the center of her world. She celebrated every milestone, treasured every gathering, and found her greatest happiness simply by being surrounded by those she loved. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and the love she poured into her family will continue to guide them forever.

Lael was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Patricia Nelson; and her brothers, Eric, Mark, and Stephen Nelson. She is survived by her devoted husband, Herbert McGrath; her beloved son, John McGrath, and his wife, Jeannine; her cherished daughter and best friend, Torrey DiMeo, and her husband, Antonio; her seven adored grandchildren, Lilliana, Fiona, and Eric McGrath, and Massimo, Marciano, Valentino, and Giselle DiMeo; her brother, William “Bill” Nelson; her sister, Victoria “Vicki” Nelson Kerins; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Though our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the gift of her life, and we will carry her love with us always.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, August 10, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 809 NW Central Avenue, Seaside Park, New Jersey.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 11, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catharine of Siena Church, 50 E Street, Seaside Park.

She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Toms River following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Extended Arms of NJ: P.O. Box 4531, Toms River, NJ 08754.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lael L. (Nelson) McGrath, please visit the floral store.

Services

Visitation

Monday
August 10, 2026
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals (809 NW Central Avenue, Seaside Park, New Jersey, 08752)
809 NW Central Avenue
Seaside Park, New Jersey 08752

Funeral Mass

Tuesday
August 11, 2026
10:00 AM
St. Catharine of Siena Church (50 E Street, Seaside Park, New Jersey, 08752)
50 E Street
Seaside Park, New Jersey 08752