Mary McCarthy

Mary McCarthy (nee Lowery), of Mount Prospect IL, passed away Wednesday, November 20th, 2024. Mary was born July 2nd, 1938 to David and Margaret Lowery. They raised her in Tiernea, Cornamona, County Galway, Ireland. At age 18, she moved to Chicago, where she initially worked so she could send money back to Ireland to help her family. She also sent money to bring to her sister Bridget and later sister Margaret, who everyone knows as Peggy, to Chicago. Mary's life took a turn toward love when she met Charles John McCarthy at the Irish American Club. He did not leave without her phone number. They married April 30th, 1960. Her sister Bridget was her maid of honor. Together, they had two children, Maureen and John. Their marriage spanned 59 years, through John's passing in 2019, with Mary by his side through every step of their remarkable life together. She is survived by her son, John (Marjorie), and daughter, Maureen (James) Kowols. Her memory will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, John, Erik, and Kathryn (Samuel) Gaspar. She was a dear sister to Margaret, Martin, Padraig, Michael, David, and the late Bridgit and Sean. She loved all her siblings and their families and was grateful for all the support they gave her, especially in the past few years. A loving thanks to Mary's caregivers Beverly, Emma and Josie who provided compassionate care allowing her to remain at home until her departure, as well as to her Home Care Team who worked so hard to help her through rehabilitation over this past year. Her neighbors, friends, and extended family provided support and companionship, especially in her final years. Finally, thanks to her medical team that enabled her to survive breast cancer in 1993-94. Visitation takes place Wednesday, November 27th, 9:30-10:30 at St. Emily Church, 1400 E. Central Road Mt. Prospect, IL. Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. Per Mary's strong wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations are to be directed to the Dominican Shrine of Saint Jude (https://the-shrine.org/), St. Emily's Catholic Church and School (https://www.stemily.org/) or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwiB0NmTvvOJAxX8MggFHavMHaoYABACGgJtZA&ae=2&aspm=1&co=1&ase=2&gclid=CjwKCAiAl4a6BhBqEiwAqvrquu-eT3-ezAbUZNB4my3fXnO1GSwK3S0G-XlwB0-oOr2zMk16GlTMJhoC_OEQAvD_BwE&ei=zFRCZ-HpO9GpptQPicWtyQQ&sig=AOD64_0fm6dyZKO_3k-u9zqkw8UJg32GVA&q&sqi=2&nis=4&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwjh_9KTvvOJAxXRlIkEHYliK0kQ0Qx6BAgPEAE)

Mary McCarthy

July 2, 1938 - November 20, 2024