Ceda Jeanette (née Watts) McGrew

Ceda Jeanette. McGrew (née Watts), of Henrico, Virginia, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on October 16, 202,5 at the age of 87. She was born in Suffern, New York, raised in Thiells, and graduated as Salutatorian from Haverstraw High School. Ceda met Palmer McGrew as he was heading off to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and they were married on June 6, 1958, upon his graduation. She began her life as a military wife while she was a college senior and the student body president. As a new wife, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree from Douglass College in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1959 and obtained her teaching certificate. Ceda supported Palmer's military career, raising three children while living on various military posts around the United States, Okinawa, Japan, and Garmisch, Germany. She began her career as an educator as the family was growing and frequently relocating. Once the family settled in Fairfax, she taught math at West Springfield High School for 19 years until she retired. She continued to support education by volunteering in the classroom and at the public library in both Fairfax and Bethany Beach.

Ceda was an active member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Burke and Ocean View Presbyterian Church in Ocean View. She was a participant in the OLLI Learning in Retirement program at George Mason University and sat on the board for many years. Ceda was passionate about education and gardening and instilled a love of both learning and growing plants in her children and grandchildren. Her affinity for ducks, however, proved to not be hereditary. Ceda loved to host beach weekends at their much-loved Delaware house for the family and an extended network of friends. She and Palmer were Grammy and Grampy not just to their own grandchildren but to their grandchildren’s friends. The circle of people with memories from “Grampy’s Adventure Camp” is extensive. Ceda made friends wherever she went, and many of her friendships were maintained for many decades. Her sharp wit, kind smile, and twinkling eyes are missed by her loving husband and family, as well as neighbors, lifelong friends from their Army years, and from the various organizations to which she and Palmer belonged.

She leaves behind her adoring husband, Palmer McGrew, to whom she was married for 67 years, three children, Greg McGrew (Renee), Bonnijean McGrew Boggess (Craig), and Heather McGrew, grandchildren Wesley McGrew (Brianna), Colleen McGrew McCarry (Will), and Allyson Boggess, along with great-grandchildren Maxwell, Sawyer, and Brooke. She is survived by her beloved sister, Jane Freeman of Hyannis, MA. She is predeceased by her grandson, Drew Boggess, as well as her parents, Dr. G. Wesley T. Watts and Ceda Jeanette Watts, and brother-in-law, Peter Freeman.

A celebration of Ceda’s life will be held in Fairfax, Virginia.  Details are below:

 Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00.

 Hunters Crossing Community Room

Greenspring Senior Living Community

7430 Spring Village Drive

Springfield, Virginia 22150

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.