Linda L. McCarthy

Linda McCarthy’s personal motto was “Celebrate Everything!” – and she did. Her numerous passions included art, literature, theater, film, travel, and sunsets at the beach. But her greatest joy was spending time with her large family and dozens of dear friends.

As an only child of divorced parents, changing schools 11 times, she dreamt of elaborate birthday parties and spectacular Christmases and a home filled with children, friends, and laughter. And then she made those dreams come true. In 1955, she married Earle Lyon and they had four children together: Carrielynn, Laura, Bill, and Lisa. Their home in Birmingham, MI was brimming with celebrations.

In 1975, they moved to Los Altos, CA, and soon thereafter, Linda was a single mother, bravely returning to school. She earned a B.A.in Communications from San Jose State University and became the Director of Sales Communication for a little start-up called Apple Computer. When Apple went public, she bought a fixer-upper cottage in Carmel and dubbed it “Hearths & Flowers.”

In 1988, Linda married Walter J. (“Mac”) McCarthy, Jr., the great love of her life. This brought five more adult children into her life and heart: Walter, David, Sharon, Jim, and Bill. Together, Linda and Mac travelled all over the world, but always made two trips a year to their beloved New York City. They relished spending time with their 14 precious grandchildren: Bethany, Patrick, Amanda, Jordan, Brianna, Mike, Caroline, Christy, Steve, Katie, Dan, Alexa, Caline and William. Linda also devoted numerous hours as a volunteer for Gathering for Women, and served on the Board of the Carmel Library, the Pacific Repertory Theater, and the Monterey Museum of Art.

When Mac passed away eight years ago, Linda was devastated, but continued to find joy in travelling, painting, water aerobics and book groups. Even after she became paralyzed in 2017, her energetic spirit refused to be confined and she delighted in her five great-grandchildren: Kiley, Portia, Maddie, Eva, and Poppy.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Kay Empaynado Quintal and Jonalyn Doniego for taking such lovely care of Linda during her final challenging years. A private celebration of Linda’s life was held at the Carmel Mission Ranch on October 31st. If you would like to make a gift to celebrate Linda’s life, she requested that donations be made to Battle Born Academy, a charter school her granddaughter, Katie Krackhardt, is opening in Las Vegas in 2022 to benefit children who have experienced trauma. Donations can be made at Battlebornacademy.org or by sending a check to: 1132 South 15th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89104.