Obituary of Mary McCarthy
Mary McCarthy, a spirited and beloved member of her community, passed away surrounded by her loving family on August 24, 2024, at her home in Hillsborough, NJ. Born on February 25, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey, Mary spent her childhood in the city's Weequeahic section, nurturing a lifelong connection to her roots.
After moving to Warren, NJ, where she resided for thirty years, Mary raised her family with her devoted husband and recently relocated to Hillsborough to be closer to her daughter. Throughout her life, Mary’s career was as diverse as it was impactful. She began as the office manager for the American Cancer Society in Newark during the 1950s and later served as the tax collector for the Township of Warren for a decade after raising her children.
An avid tennis enthusiast, Mary’s passion for the sport was ignited by her husband, who taught her to play. She went on to share her love for the game by teaching tennis, bringing joy and enthusiasm to her students. Her community involvement extended to her spiritual life; she was a dedicated member of Our Lady of the Mount Parish in Warren, where she played the organ and taught CCD classes.
Mary’s love for music, particularly show tunes, and her joy in traveling painted the backdrop of her vibrant life. With her husband, she explored destinations from Hawaii to Europe, and as a member of the Sweet Adelines, she even traveled to Russia.
Mary leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication. She is survived by her daughters, Marietta McCarthy and Veronica McCarthy-Naegele; three grandchildren, Schirin Naegele-Bueno (Chris), Valerie Naegele, and Larissa Naegele-Domino (Jesper); and a great-grandchild, Willow, born just this August. She is also remembered by her siblings, Gaetana Ratigan and Carmella Mitterando, and two sisters-in-law, Grace Mitterando and Jean Mitterando.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Justin McCarthy, in 1994 and her brothers, Louis and Jimmy.
Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mount Church - Chapel in Warren, NJ, followed by a funeral mass at 11:30 a.m., celebrated by Father Sean Kenney. Immediately following the mass, the burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge, NJ.
A Live Stream of the Funeral Mass can be viewed here: Live Stream Funeral Mass - Wednesday, August 28, 2024 - 11:30 a.m. - Our Lady of the Mount R.C. Church - Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary’s memory to the American Cancer Society or Our Lady of the Mount Church, honoring her life of service and love. Mary’s vibrant spirit and heartfelt dedication will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.
