Sarah J. "Sadie" McGillian

Sarah “Sadie” J. McGillian, age 82, passed away April 17, 2023.  Beloved daughter of Joseph and Margaret (nee Kirk) Doherty.

Sarah was survived by her children, Gerry McGillian (Nancy), Elaine Van Blunk (Jim), Joe McGillian (Donna), Bill McGillian (Jeanine), Marty McGillian (Helene), Sarah Kelly (Brian), as well as 19 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  Also survived by her siblings, William Doherty (late Una), Joe Doherty (late Delma), Sean Doherty (Veronica), and Andy Doherty (Bernadette). Pre-deceased by her loving husband, Gerald J. McGillian, siblings Margaret Devine(William), Maybid Doherty, Kathleen Perera (Nihal – Sur), and Rosaleen McGuigan (Joe – Sur).

Sadie was born in Strabane Ireland, Co Tyrone.  She came to the United States in her early 20's where she married Gerald McGillian in 1962 and resided in Upper Darby for over 50 years.  She always loved her family and friends back in Ireland and visited with them as much as possible, and was always excited to host anyone who came over to visit. She had 6 children and was a very loving, supportive mother who worked hard her whole life to care for her family. She loved gardening, decorating her house to the extreme for all holidays, and cooking. She had many famous recipes that we all still use today with our own families.   She was known as Granny to her 19 grandchildren and really shined in her role as the doting Granny.  She loved any chance she had to be with her grandchildren, and always supported them in any way possible. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing Friday April 21 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St Bernadette’s Church, 1035 Turner Ave. Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania 19026. Funeral Mass immediately following.