Northborough – Mary F. McCarthy passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living Center on April 5, 2021, on what would have been her late husband’s birthday. She was 96 years old.
Mary was born and raised in Arlington, the youngest of nine children to 1st generation Irish immigrants Charles and Hannah (Beausang) Sullivan. She along with her siblings attended St. Agnes Catholic School in Arlington. Mary enjoyed being part of a large family living in a close-knit community such as Arlington. Her children will always remember Mary’s smile as she reminisced of the times spent ice-skating on the Mystic River and sharing homemade treats from her brothers’ business, the former Sullivan Bakery. She also enjoyed telling of the many trips her family would take from Boston, on the train, to exciting destinations such as Old Orchard Beach.
After high school and work with the American Telegraph & Telephone, Mary became employed at the Nabisco Corporation in Cambridge. It was here that she met the love of her life, William G. McCarthy. This was the beginning of a wonderful relationship, which lasted 51 years until Bill’s passing 2011. The couple resided in Wollaston, near the Beach prior to relocating to the beachfront home they built together in Hingham in 1963. In 1977 they moved to Shrewsbury and in 1982 settled into their beloved home in Northborough. Mary continued to keep her home until her recent move to Notre Dame du Lac in 2019. Her family would like to thank the Notre Dame staff and residents for their friendship, love and support shown to Mary during her stay here.
Mary was a longtime active member of Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Northborough. She volunteered many years with the parish thrift store and enjoyed the fellowship of the Woman’s Club. She looked forward to socializing with old and new friends alike and enjoyed attending the dinners sponsored by the senior center. As a couple, Mary and Bill enjoyed spending time at the ocean. Point Judith and Cape Cod were always at the top their list. Drives to see the colorful cranberry bogs in the fall were a favorite pastime, also. Mary looked forward to any opportunity or event that would give cause to celebrate family members. The memories of the many 4th of July parties in Hingham will always hold dear to her family.
Mary is survived by one son, William J. McCarthy and his wife Maureen of Shrewsbury; two daughters, Annie V. Kaar and her husband Mark of Sanbornton, N.H. and Catherine H. McCarthy Heitman of Northborough; and eight grandchildren whom she adored, Michael, Daniel and Sarah Kaar, Carl and Caitlin Heitman, Morgan, Abby and Lindsey McCarthy. In addition to her husband, Bill, Mary was preceded in death by her eight beloved siblings, James, John, Bill, Charles, Henry and Francis Sullivan, Betty Bolduc, and Kay Gobron.
A time of visitation will take place on Monday, April 12, from 8:45 – 9:30 a.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. A 10 a.m. funeral Mass will follow in St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main St., Northborough. Mary will then be laid to rest in Howard Street Cemetery of Northborough.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, PO Box 304, Maryknoll, NY 10545.
For online condolences, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
