Irene Helen McCarthy

KINGSFORD- Irene Helen McCarthy age 86 of Kingsford, was welcomed with open arms by her large Irish family on Friday, February 22, 2019 while being comforted by her family at Maryhill Manor in Niagara, WI. She was born March 3, 1932 in Norway, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Connolly) Ray. Irene graduated from Norway High School class of 1950, where she was a cheerleader and a majorette. Irene possessed a zest for learning and loved school. She always wished to attend college and was a strong advocate of higher education. She was proud of the fact that all of her own children and all of her grandchildren went on to college and earned their degrees. Irene also possessed a strong sense of patriotism and held family members who served close to her heart, especially her son. She led a very active life which included, bowling, biking, golfing, walking and she was a successful bow hunter. Irene enjoyed the days she spent admiring the lake and sitting in the sunshine observing nature. Irene loved working for Northpointe as an adult resident caregiver. She was a die-hard Packer fan, attended many games and never missed a Sunday game on TV wearing her Packer gear. Irene loved to attend all of her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, she was their biggest fan. In recent years she mastered crossword puzzles, was an avid reader, enjoyed watching game shows and attending mass on Sunday. In spite of her life struggles Irene carried herself with grace, strength and humor. She found the good in every day. She was proud of her Irish heritage and enjoyed family gatherings with a cold beer. There was never an event where her quick wit and sense of humor didn’t brighten the party. Irene was a loving mother and grandmother and will be missed immensely by her family. The matriarch of her family she is survived by her children Fran (Marianne) McCarthy of Hamilton Lakes, Mary McCarthy-Bray of Norway, Holly (Tony) Biolo of Punta Gorda, FL and Teresa (Jon) McCarthy of Prior Lake, MN; grandchildren Rae Anne (Kevin) Seat, Tony (Jodi) Mortier, Reid (Robin) Mortier, Matt (April) McCarthy, Erin (Scott) Hoffman, Megan (James) Rosati, Dan (Jane) DeJaeger, Shainna (Matt) Szwet, Taylor McCarthy-Teasley and Syndie McCarthy; great grandchildren Zach Seat, Mac and Maggie Hoffman, Mae and Jimmy Rosati, Clark and Hadleigh Szwet, Jaylynn Kichura, Hailey, Kendall and Peyton Johnson; sister-in-law Mary Jane Ray of Norway; several nieces and nephews. Irene was preceded in death by her brothers Robert, Patrick, Joseph and Francis Ray and her sisters Patricia Carlotto, Dorothy Faull and Genevieve Jacobson. Irene’s family would like to especially thank her friends and caregivers of Maryhill Manor. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 16 from 9:30-11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Norway. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church with Fr. Timothy Ekaitis officiating. Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery.

Irene Helen McCarthy

March 3, 1932 - February 22, 2019