Carmelita Anne McCarthy

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Carmelita Anne McCarthy announces her passing on December 27, 2023, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born in Chatham, NB, on April 4, 1930, to the late Edward and Mary Anne (Murphy) McCarthy. 

Carmelita began her teaching career at the young age of 17 in a one room schoolhouse close to home.  She was a well loved and respected teacher, ending her career at Simond’s Middle school in East  Saint John. Education was important to her personally, and while working full time, received an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies from Laurentian University.  Carm was a warm and genuine person who put everyone else’s needs above her own.  Throughout her life, her kind and generous spirit led her to volunteer work including in schools, hospitals and with the elderly. Carmelita was a very social woman who loved to ask questions and was fascinated by people’s stories and what they shared. She was an avid bridge player, enjoying the game well into her 90’s. She traveled extensively after retirement:  Canada, to Alaska, Australia, Europe, Russia, and East Germany before the fall of the Berlin wall. Carmelita had a deep and genuine love of God and the Catholic Church and lived her life as a testament to her faith.  She was a wonderful mother and unparalleled Nanny. Her children and grandchildren were her entire world[5] .  She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

She is survived by her daughters, Eloise (Lawrence) Jones and Mary Anne Milley; grandchildren, David Milley, Sean (Melanie)Milley, Ben Milley and Karina May; her brother, Herman (Geraldine) McCarthy, sister, Mary Anne (James) Hogan; as well as several nieces and nephews.  Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Mark and Jeremiah. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB, (506-646-2424).  In keeping with Carm’s wishes, no visitation will be held.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Quispamsis (171 Pettingill Road) on Tuesday, January 2 at 10am with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  For those who wish, memorial donations may be made  in her memory to the Saint John Community Autism Center or to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by her family.   To place on online condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.fundyfuneralhome.com