Meredith, NH-----Mildred “Toni” Barrington McCaffrey, widow of Joseph F. McCaffrey, political radio and TV journalist, passed away peacefully in her sleep September 30, 2010, at Forestview Manor Assisted Living in Meredith, N.H. at the age of 90.
She was born on January 9, 1920 to Ann Spotiswood and Frederick Harrison Barrington in Amsterdam, NY and soon moved to Mt. Vernon, NY. Toni graduated from the New Paltz State Teachers College, now New York State University at New Paltz, N.Y. in 1942. In college, she met her future husband, Joe McCaffrey. During the war years, she worked as a third grade teacher in New Salem, NY.
They were married on October 27, 1945 and lived in Washington, D.C. while Joe started building his career in radio and later TV as a reporter and political columnist. Moving to Falls Church, Virginia, Toni sold real estate but soon felt that the needs of her husband and two children came first. She put away her wish for a career for her family.
She was known as a wonderful cook and excellent hostess who made anyone who came into the home welcomed and appreciated. Her love of animals meant that any homeless animal that came to the house was taken in and cared for. Toni loved a good mystery story and kept a supply of books available at all times.
She is survived by her two children, Sally Ann McCaffrey Humer and her husband, Ross Humer, of Moultonborough, NH, and Michael McCaffrey, of Lousia, Virginia.
Toni leaves her four much loved grandchildren, Matthew, Valeria, Stephen and Daniel Humer all of Moultonborough, NH.
There will be no calling hours.
A Private Burial will be held at the National Cemetery in Culpeper, Virginia
The family would like to thank the wonderful, caring staff of Forestview Manor for the kindness and caring that they gave to Toni during her long stay. They kept her alive and happy and we thank them.
For remembrances, please donate to the humane society of your choice.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is in charge of the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.