Obituary of Thelma R McCarthy

Thelma R. McCarthy, a woman who loved her family and friends and embraced life passed away on Tuesday afternoon, May 31, 2016 at the age of 92. Thelma was born in Watertown, the daughter of the late Walter and Thelma Devaney. She grew up in Watertown and then in the Kerry Corner section of Cambridge. She graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School in Cambridge. She worked for 17 years as a secretary at United Carr Fastener in Cambridge. She married her husband Joseph in 1949. After becoming a mother, she embraced the role of homemaker and mother. Thelma was extremely gregarious and adventurous. She was a social butterfly as Michael used to call her. She had a warm, friendly, inviting and fun home. York, Maine is a very special place for Thelma and her family. They have had a cottage there for decades and it holds so many special memories filled with love and laughter for her, her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She loved the McCarthy clan. Before she had children Thelma and Joe would rotate bringing their nieces and nephews up to Maine- two at a time- for the weekend to enjoy the beach. They would bring the kids home on Monday morning on their way to work. York Beach holds a special spot in everyone's heart . She loved spending the warm summer days at the beach with her family and friends soaking in the sun. Thelma had a great life and was always on the go until this past year. She had so many circles of friends. She was very active in Woburn where she had lived for 53 years. For the past 13 years, she has lived her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren in Billerica. Thelma embraced the change and was thrilled to be a part of her family’s daily lives. Her grandsons were the love of her life. She became active in both the Billerica and the York, Maine Senior Citizens. She was also a long time and active member of the Red Hats. She participated in many trips, socials, fitness programs, and activities. She loved to dance. She enjoyed crocheting and had made countless afghans, hats, mittens, and baby clothing for all her family and friends. Thelma loved to travel and always had her bags ready to go. She traveled all over including, Europe, Norway, Denmark, Ireland and the Caribbean. She wintered in Jensen Beach, Florida for 30 years. She went on 31 cruises during her life time. Her last trip was to Canada at the age of 91. Thelma was so much fun to share time with and there was never a dull moment with her. She lived a wonderful life filled with family, friends, love, adventure, and fun and she leaves all she has touched with wonderful and lasting memories that will always bring a smile to their faces. Thelma was the loving wife of the late Joseph McCarthy. She was a loving mother of Carol Dillon & her husband Jay of Billerica, and the late Michael McCarthy. She was the proud Nana of Joseph Michael, Jonathon James, and Jay Thomas Dillon all of Billerica. Thelma was the dear friend of Dottie Mallahan of Dracut, the late Caroline Corsetti, Gladys Casale, and Mary Dillon. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Saturday June 4 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Barbara Church, 138 Cambridge Rd, Woburn at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Memorials in Thelma’s name may be made to a charity of one’s own choice.