It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Marilyn Joan McCarthy, wife of the late Arthur McCarthy. Marilyn died peacefully at the Mass General Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Marilyn was born and raised in Lawrence by her mother Martha Erler and once married remained in Lawrence where she and her husband Arthur raised their three daughters. After the unexpected death of her husband in 1981, Marilyn settled in Methuen and began her career at Bishop's restaurant where she worked until they closed the doors. She then worked at the Phoenician Restaurant until she retired in 2006 and moved to Haverhill with her daughter Peggy and granddaughter Jillian where she lived until she passed.
Marilyn was heavily involved in the lives of her three daughters and derived a great deal of joy from watching them and their friends play the numerous sports that they were involved in. She came to every game and let her presence be known with her cheering and support. When her grandchildren followed the same sports path, she became their biggest fan and attended as many games as she could, cheering for them with the same enthusiasm as she had done with her own children. Throughout her life Marilyn touched many people with her honesty, empathy and was always willing to give a shoulder to someone who needed it. Her giving heart and loving spirit will stay with all of us that were blessed enough to have known her.
Marilyn is survived by her brother Richard Erler from Hilton Head, S. Carolina, her daughter Kathy McCarthy and grandson Ryan McCarthy from Methuen, her daughter Marie Ferris, son-in-law David Ferris and her grandson's Jared and Keith Ferris and her daughter Peggy Boyle and granddaughter Jillian Boyle from Haverhill. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, and all their children whom she loved very much.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, April 13th, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in Corpus Christi Parish, Holy Rosary Church in Lawrence, MA. Her burial will be private.
For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com.