Mary K. McCarthy

Mary K. McCarthy, of Creve Coeur, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born on August 29, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Dr. Joseph and Margaret Kessler.

Mary was preceded in death by her son, Carlisle McCarthy; her siblings, Joseph Kessler, Susan McNamara, Thomas Kessler, Lucy Gruender, and Steven Kessler; her former husband, Carlisle John McCarthy.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Margaret (John) McCann, Elizabeth (Paul) Morrison, Michael (Marci) McCarthy, and Kathleen McCarthy; her cherished grandchildren, Matthew McCarthy, Sadie McCarthy, Emily Morrison, Paul Morrison, David McCarthy, Eastin Rossell, and Gabrielle Rossell; as well her brothers, John Kessler, William Kessler, Francis Kessler; and many other relatives and friends.

Mary earned her master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University and devoted her career to serving others through her work with the State of Missouri, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. She founded Special Parents Outreach, a ministry that for many years provided support and encouragement to parents of children with disabilities. Mary also served on the Archdiocesan Commission for the Disabled alongside Monsignor Elmer H. Behrmann, and volunteered her time with PSR parents of developmentally disabled children, ensuring these children could receive the sacraments.

In recognition of her lifelong advocacy for individuals with disabilities, Mary was honored by the Archdiocese of St. Louis as a Woman of Achievement. She also gave generously of her time through the St. Vincent de Paul Society and OASIS at St. Monica Parish.

Mary will be remembered for her kindness, her tireless commitment to helping others, and her deep love for her family.

A visitation will be held in Mary’s honor on Monday, September 15, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Kriegshauser West Mortuary, 9450 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, 63132. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Monica Catholic Church, 12136 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63141. Burial will follow immediately after mass at Calvary Cemetery, 5239 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115.