Lynn Ellen McCarthy was born Lynn Ellen Tilton to Russell and Edna Tilton on January 30, 1938, at Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, NY. As the oldest of five children, she was able to hone her “managerial” expertise and once at the helm of life, did not relinquish her post. She loved her family deeply and they loved her back, tolerating the sisterly advice that Lynn dispensed freely and generously. Together, they grew and learned the importance of the ties that bind. They were her foundation and she treasured them always.
She attended St. Barnabas High School in the Bronx and went to nursing school at St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in Greenwich Village, NYC. There, she learned skills that served her well her entire life, inside and outside the hospital. She also formed life-long friendships that were dear to her until her final days. Being a nurse suited her to perfection and was a deep source of pride for us all. When we saw pictures of her in her uniform and cape, we knew that was the origin story of our very own super-hero.
She married the love of her life, Cornelius “Chubby” McCarthy at Our Lady of the Lake in Sparta, NJ, on September 20, 1958. Their bond was profound and their teamwork, unparalleled. They were truly in love. Their first 5 children were born in 60 months, and later, they added 2 more to their brood. Lynn applied her nurse’s training and our dad’s military background to running her household. Her home was always a testament to her high standards and diligence. To her loving children, it also exuded warmth. Ours was a home open to all, and our dinner table was rarely just us.
She was stop-traffic gorgeous. As children, we couldn’t believe how radiant and beautiful she was. Her jet-black hair cut in a pixie style with her signature flash of bright red lipstick belied her physical strength - despite being a mere 5ft feet tall and 100 pounds, her ability to do it all was Herculean. We were in awe of what she could accomplish in just one day.
Her friends, her church and our school community were vital parts of her life. She gravitated to moms of other large families and those friendships became like family to her. She loved to entertain all who were dear to her in her home. On many a weekend night at bedtime, we kids could hear the adults’ uproarious laughter float up the stairs from the dining room. Her open door, open arms, creativity and attention to detail in entertaining paved our lives with the most beautiful memories.
She had 17 grandchildren and adored each and every one of them. She was involved in their lives daily, and they filled her with joy and pride. She showered them with love, attention, gifts, cards, advice, and deeply flawed dictation texts (which should be released in book-form one day). She dedicated her older years to making sure they were all happy, safe, content and heading in the right direction. She cultivated unique relationships with every single one of them and exhausted her bragging rights daily.
She taught all of us the importance of sharing what we had. There was no one more generous, welcoming and kind. Many of our friends became her friends and family. She knew how lucky she was to have a wonderful life and she wanted to make a difference in other’s lives as well. She never stopped giving of herself. There was no better mom and Nana and now, we’ll carry her torch, together.
She was predeceased by her beloved son,Timothy Andrew and her adored husband, Cornelius Patrick McCarthy.
She is survived by her son, Neal McCarthy and his wife Gail, Eileen Born and her husband Craig, Kelly Leary and her husband PJ, Megan Kelly and her husband John, Nora King and her husband Teddy, Molly Wenger and her husband Mitch and her 17 cherished grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted under Goble Funeral Home 22 Main St., Sparta, NJ 07871. Due to COVID restrictions, her services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pope John XXIII Regional High School, 28 Andover Road, Sparta, NJ, 07871.
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