My kindergarten classroom was one of the lucky ones that Anne Marie was assigned to as a building assistant.  I was always thrilled to see her walk through my door.  She could quickly assess what was going on (math, writing workshop, science?) and jump right in to help a group of students, who were just as excited to see her.   She always had tricks up her sleeve to help those students who needed a little nudge to engage in the lesson.  But my favorite personal time with Anne Marie was in the lunchroom, where she would regale us with so many wonderful anecdotes about her family and so many facts about everything!  Was there any subject she didn’t know something about?  I learned something everyday.  She clearly loved her family and the travels and adventures they had.  It’s so hard to think about Anne Marie in the past tense but let’s go forward in her spirit and spread the love and kindness that she would continue to do.        

It was early September of 1969, move in day at Regis College. A girl from the room across the hall introduced herself to me and filled me in on Somerville, Matignon High, her family, and her tall, dreamy boyfriend named Terry. Little did I know, looking back now after fifty-two years, that she would become such an important person in my life, a loyal and true friend. 
Anne Marie, known as “Leo” to her close Regis friends, was smart, friendly, easy going, and fun loving. She would do anything for a friend, including, at my request, joining the Regis basketball team Freshman year so that we would have enough players to compete!
She had a big heart and cared a great deal about others. She made sure that I wouldn’t be the only one of our gang of friends not attending the Senior formal by convincing her friend, John, to go as my date.
In the classroom, learning seemed to come easy for Leo. She had an inquisitive mind, a sharp intellect, and an exceptional memory. She seemed very comfortable in Senior seminar classes where her comments were comprehensive and well thought out. Her arguments were persuasive, yet non-confrontational. She could calmly state her position on a specific subject and thoroughly analyze the pros and cons as to her conclusion. I truly envied her ability to express and explain her opinion in a such a logical and intelligent manner.
Her career focus early on was to become a social worker. She never wavered from that goal and demonstrated her passion for helping others throughout her lifetime.
Despite the health challenges that she encountered throughout her life, I never heard Leo complain. She took things in stride, persevered, and moved ahead.
Throughout her college days, she built strong and lasting relationships with over a dozen classmates that comprised the Domitilla gang. The bond that was forged fifty-two years ago still remains robust.
Leo left me with wonderful memories. She was a humble, yet remarkable person. May she rest in peace.



There was nobody kinder and sweeter than Anne Marie in Sudbury. When my first born son entered the school system he quickly made friends with Peter and Anne Marie and I made our quick connection that we had both gone to Matignon High School and married high school sweethearts. I enjoyed navigating the school years alongside her and teaching CCD classes at our church. Anne Marie always was interested in how everyones family was doing and what she could do to make life easier for everyone. Oh how Sudbury will miss seeing her. Rest In Peace Anne Marie. My condolences to the all of your family.  Laurie 

My dear friend,
As children we were inseparable. I’ll always remember you and your family with such great affection. 

I remember the sleep overs, going with your dad to  Boston for a true Chinese meal  on a weekend night was always such a special treat, walking to Saint Catherine’s every day. I’ll always remember your mother giving me that parakeet for my seventh birthday, I still don’t know how she talk to my mother into that.Every day that I walked into your house always getting a big hi Charlene from Dickie with his great big smile. 

The world has lost a sweet and gentle soul.

 I know your heavenly reward will be a special one to reflect the life you lived.

Charlene BFF

We first met Anne Marie McCarthy in 1994. This was the year our son Robert started the METCO program at Nixon Elementary in 1st grade. He was classmates with Chris. Robert and Chris became very good friends and Robert was invited to stay some nights in Sudbury with the McCarthy Family. This is where he would make memories that he talks about til this day. 

The nights Robert stayed with the family he was treated as if he was one of their own. Whether it was family outings or help with homework, Anne Marie and her husband included Robert and made him feel at home. 

Anne Marie helped make what can be a tough transition as a METCO student an easy one. She took the role of being a Host Parent very serious and looked after Robert like only a mother could. 

We send our sincere condolences to the family. Thank you for sharing Anne Marie with us. She left a lasting impact on our son. 

Anne Marie’s son Christopher was in my first grade class at the Nixon School in Sudbury. That was in 1994 my first year as a teacher. My fond memories of that first year are many. Anne Marie’s kind and welcoming personality were very much appreciated!

Two years later Anne Marie became an assistant in my classroom. We quickly realized how well we worked as a team. I often thought of her as my team teaching partner. She could always sense where her help was needed in the classroom. Mostly she had a sixth sense about first graders, their feelings, emotions, and motivations. She cared deeply about every single child and the children cared deeply about her!

When the Loring School opened in 1999 we decided to both volunteer to transfer there. I remember requesting that Anne Marie and I would continue to work together. The band would not be breaking up! The school and staff were new but our teamwork continued to thrive and prosper at Loring. 

After a number of years classroom assistants were eliminated from first grade classrooms. It was at this time that Anne Marie took on the role of building assistant. Soon other teachers and administrators began to see first hand what I so well knew - how extraordinarily skilled and helpful Anne Marie was in the classroom!

I will always have very fond memories of my colleague and my great friend Anne Marie. McCarthy family, my deepest sympathies!

OBITUARY

Anne Marie McCarthy

May 28, 1951 – December 4, 2021

Duckett Funeral Home of J.S. Waterman & Sons

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