Kathleen McCarthy

Kathleen “Kate, Kathy” McCarthy was born in Yonkers, NY as the first and only daughter to her parents, Kathleen “Kay” and James “Jim” McCarthy. A vibrant, active and inquisitive little girl foresaw what would lie ahead for her lifetime. They moved to Bronxville, NY at age eleven, where she quickly found a “crew” (Jody, Beth and Michelle) at St. Joseph’s grammar school that, how should we say this, were certainly in the watchful eyes of many a nun or teacher.

She was always a terrific athlete, but found her true, blue-ribbon passion for horseback riding. A yearly trip to Miller’s in Manhattan with her beloved “Nanny” for new helmet and jodhpurs was more her style than Bonwit Teller – although always one to have the right outwit. She graduated from The Ursuline Academy in New Rochelle, where her success on the athletic fields and academics were only surpassed by her “creative” yet harmless, high-jinks.

Always the one in the family to “break the norm” she headed out West to The University of Denver – she left as a preppie and came back as a hippie. Or so she thought…never did make it to Woodstock! It is in Denver where she found her lifetime soulmate Diane (Bleil)… they were. quite a pair, never staying too long in one place as not to get bored – Colorado, New Jersey, Arizona, Illinois, and finally Florida. Her part time job in a framing store was just the start of her career trajectory to led her to become President of one of the country’s largest mat-board manufacturers. Traveling around the globe to meet with vendors, clients and attend Trade Shows. She was a force to be reckoned with.

When it came to vacation she and Diane’s favorite spot was Hawaii, traveling there numerous times with friends and family to snorkel, sun and spam. She and Diane always had some “project” in the making, from building a deck at their “unique” LBI beach house, a remote cabin In the woods of PA, redoing many a kitchen and bath, yard work and gardening. They were always on the go! When it was finally time to “retire” from the 9-5 world they encamped to Saugatuck, MI to redo a cottage and even take up sailing. Finally on a fateful visit to Mariner Sands to escape the snow drifts of MI, they threw in the towel and made Florida their home.

With Rocket as their trusty house-watcher they started in a condo and then moved to their home with pool and all. Kate endured many a hospital stay with Diane always by her side – taking notes at every Doctor and ER visit. Always the consummate fighter, Kate finally surrendered her courageous fight with Diane and her brother Stephen by her side. She has found peace and will certainly be missed by all her many friends and family. She fought the good fight and will always be remembered for her talents, will, friendships and love of her life partner of 45 years, her Diane!