BDLive reports that McGrath's death was confirmed on Saturday by a spokesperson for her hotel group, known as The Collection. She is survived by three children: Lesley, Susan and Michael.
The Collection, comprising The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay, The Marine in Hermanus and The Cellars Hohenort in Constantia, was started by McGrath in 1988 and soon gained a reputation for great style and service. All three are members of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group.
A statement on The Collection's website reveals that McGrath and her team most recently took over responsibility for Matjiesfontein's hospitality experience, signing a five year hospitality contract with the Rawdon family.
Having been in the hospitality industry since the mid-1980s, McGrath was considered to be one of South Africa's leading ladies in the field of business and hospitality.
According to The Collection's Facebook page a funeral service for McGrath will take place on Friday 30th January at 14:30 at the Rosebank Catholic Church in Johannesburg. A memorial service will be held in Cape Town at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Newlands on Tuesday 3rd February at 14:30.
The news of her death was met with an outpouring of condolences from various industry leaders on Twitter:
A great loss to the hospitality industry. Condolences to family and friends. http://t.co/e3PDAjWaYh
— BON Hotels (@BONHotels) January 27, 2015
Our sincerest condolences to all at @McGrathHotels. Liz McGrath was a pioneer in the art of hospitality and will be sorely missed.
— Relais & Châteaux (@RelaisChateaux) January 27, 2015
We pay tribute to hospitality hero, Liz McGrath, for the great pioneer and visionary she was http://t.co/h5klyd3eXk pic.twitter.com/RmQabt2c9k
— Opulent Living (@liveopulent) January 26, 2015
A true friend RT @McGrathHotels The funeral service for Liz McGrath will take place on Friday 30th January at 14h30 http://t.co/UUMyD8jmGA
— Singita (@Singita_) January 27, 2015
A lady of Grandeur has been relieved of her post in this world. She leaves behind a legacy in the hearts of... http://t.co/ETOEICy5wm
— Lynn'e Kapp (@tikilee2) January 27, 2015
Deeply missed @McGrathHotels The funeral service for Liz McGrath will take place on Friday 30th January at 14h30 http://t.co/RS7Jy0UZMj
— Patrick Goff (@HotelDesigns) January 27, 2015
Our sincerest condolences to the family and all at @McGrathHotels. Liz McGrath was a pioneer in hospitality and will be truly missed.
— Wetu (@WetuTravel) January 27, 2015
We are saddened by the passing of Liz McGrath, doyenne of Marine, Plettenberg & Cellars-Hohenhort @McGrathHotels pic.twitter.com/uUZ3qHMBW6
— Go2Africa (@Go2Africa) January 27, 2015