A kuia of Ngāi Tūhoe and Te Arawa, she was also of English and Scottish descent.
A skilled kaikaranga, McGarvey advocated for education and the retention of Māori language and customs, and played an active role in tribal issues.
In 2009 McGarvey was a recipient of the Sir Kingi Ihaka award at the Creative New Zealand Te Waka Toi Awards in recognition for her "lifetime contribution to the development and retention of Māori arts and culture.
Mourners at her tangi included former MP Tuku Morgan and the Māori king, Tūheitia Paki.
Former Māori news presenter and actor Waihoroi Shortland attended the tangi and said that McGarvey was "the voice that guided Tūhoe in hard times.