Maryellen Monahan McCarthy

Maryellen McCarthy, age 69, left us too soon when she passed on Wednesday September 4th, 2024 from recently diagnosed cancer. Maryellen, affectionately known as "Mare", is survived by her husband Frank; her children, Colin (Ashley) McCarthy, Amelia Wilkey and Moira McCarthy; grandchildren, Keller, Tristan and Piper McCarthy, and Finn and Clara Wilkey; her sisters, Martha (Barry Skoff) Monahan and Kristin Monahan; sister-in-law, Robin Breda, in addition to loving nieces, Em Skoff, and Jennifer Monahan and many wonderful cousins. She is predeceased by her beloved parents, Karl and Janis (Chartier) Monahan, and brother, Karl Monahan, Jr.

Maryellen was born on August 9th 1955 and grew up in Marblehead, MA. She married Frank McCarthy in 1980 and they raised their family in Newburyport, MA until moving to Conway NH in 2001. Mare was devoted to her three children and considered being a mother her greatest accomplishment. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Mare was a devoted daughter to her beloved parents and big sister to her three siblings. She loved spending holidays together, always a truly appreciative fan of the good cooking of her mother, sisters and brother. The death of her brother, Karl from leukemia at age 50 was a devastating loss for her.

Mare graduated from Marblehead High School in 1973 and went on to study Occupational Therapy at North Shore Community College. After graduating, she began her career in this field as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, helping developmentally disabled children in schools and also working with the elderly in nursing homes. Her warm smile, kind and giving spirit, and expertise as an OTA was appreciated by her patients and co-workers alike for over 30 years, until chronic health issues forced an end to her lengthy career.

Mare was always athletic while growing up, with a love of swimming, playing softball and especially skiing. Her fun-loving nature was infectious, and she never shied away from having a good time, often dancing the night away. She also enjoyed the simple things in life; reading a good book, music, vacations with family, and connecting with her lifelong friends. She cherished the memories of her “camping crew” and will always be remembered for having the best cartwheels. She had a true generosity of spirit and was always kind and loving to others.

Mare was a truly special person and beautiful soul. She will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing and loving her.

Service information: Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, Sept 19th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and a service on Friday, Sept 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street. A reception will follow at 141 Jersey Street. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Maryellen's family.