Maria McCarter

Maria MacPhail McCarter passed away peacefully on December 19th. Born in Reading, PA on June 24, 1934, Maria was predeceased by her parents Kathryn and Robert MacPhail, her loving husband Brooke McCarter, Sr., and her son Brooke McCarter, Jr.

She is survived by her son Robert McCarter, daughter-in-law Lisa McCarter, daughter Melissa McCarter, granddaughters Cassidy Dietz and Kaitlin McCarter, and step-grandchildren Sean Dietz and Danielle Cooper. Maria also leaves her dearest cousins Carol Jankowski and Kathryn “Kitsy” Johnson, who were like sisters to her throughout her life, along with a multitude of extended family and friends.

Maria worked early in her life as a teacher to blind children, but her greatest life’s work was found in raising her own children and in her role as NumNum to her grandchildren. As a lifelong nurturer, Maria returned to teaching later in life, both in suburban Philadelphia and in Temple Terrace, Florida. Friends would say she could make them laugh at the drop of a hat. Even retail businesses knew her name because her personality was so full of life.

The family lived a number of years in Kettering, Ohio and spent summers along the Jersey shore. Maria was never without a dog. Her love of animals was profound and they responded to her voice as that of a close friend, as did all young children. Maria’s affinity for big band and swing music was tremendous. Her talent at dance was remarkable and she met many lifelong friends back in the fifties through dancing.

Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Maria was greeted with an infectious smile and was told within moments that she could still “cut a rug.” Maria’s attitude was one of unconditional optimism and love. She was an unassuming friend to all and this world is a better place for having had her. There are two things that Maria would want everyone to know. First, that it’s the Welsh pronunciation “Mariah,” without the “H.” Second, that the jitterbug trumps any other dance ever, bar none. Maria's was a life well lived.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on January 25, 2020 at 3:00 PM located Blount & Curry Terrace Oaks Chapel, Temple Terrace, Florida 33617. A time of visitation and fellowship with family and friends will be directly after the service.