Billie McCarthy Liss

Billie, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, was born Nov. 14, 1916 in St. Paul, MN. The daughter of William McCarthy and Elizabeth McCarthy (nee Baillie). Billie was the middle child of siblings, Anne Baker (nee McCarthy) and Eugene McCarthy.

Billie was raised and spent the majority of her life in the St. Paul and St. Croix, MN. areas.

Billie graduated from Mechanic Arts High School in St. Paul, MN. Upon graduating she started her working career at Bannon's Dept. Store in St. Paul, MN. It was at Bannon's where Billie met the love of her life, Arthur Liss. They married March 17, 1949. Billie's career started in the layaway department of Bannon's, dept. store. She worked her way up to being the executive secretary to the manager. Billie and Arthur, both left Bannon's, after many years, to pursue their dream of owning and operating their own store. They called it the St. Croix Mercantile. They worked side by side for over 18 years making the Mercantile a household name. For them this was a dream come true. Not only was Billie an entrepreneur, but she was also a loving, caring and giving person who was always willing to help others. She was an amazing woman who was devoted to her family, friends, and God.

In 1976 Billie, and her husband, Arthur, retired from the St. Croix Mercantile, and moved to Coral Springs, Fla. In 1978, after 29 yrs. of marriage, Arthur passed away. After Arthur's passing, Billie took up golfing. She and her brother, Gene McCarthy enjoyed many N.W.A. golf tournaments. She won many trophies, closest to the pin, longest putt, to name a couple. Billie, also took up bowling just to keep busy. She went into the alley telling the person at the desk she wanted to join a team and she didn't care about if the team was good or not, just that she wanted to bowl. So they put her on a team with two other ladies and a "special" teenager. She loved bowling with them. After living in Coral Springs for a few more years, she decided to moved to Port Charlotte, Fla. where she spent the next 28 years of her life enjoying the comforts of South Port Square living. Like her home in Coral Springs, it was also here at South Port that Billie was very active. She participated in most all South Port had to offer. From volunteering to shuttling people around on tours, to shuffleboard, painting classes, swimming in her earlier days there, ceramic classes, taking advantage of the exercise room, line dancing, Wii bowling, which I might add she was the all time champ, mahjong, dominos and whatever else was offered to her she tried and accomplished. Because of her longevity at South Port and being known and loved by all, she was known as "The Mayor". Another chapter in Billie's South Port life living was, she started a bible group for Catholic residents at South Port. Becoming a Eucharistic minister so she could give communion to other fellow Catholics. This also included going to Harbour Health Care Ctr. to give communion to those who couldn't come to her bible group or get out to church to receive communion.

Billie would volunteer for whatever came her way. She was always there for everyone. For talk, support and understanding. She did it with a smile and enjoyed making those around her smile. On a personal level, I never ran into anyone who didn't say to me, "Billie is such a wonderful person!" That always made me feel very proud! From South Port, Billie moved to Lexington Manor Assisted Living. Like South Port, Lexington Manor was where Billie made many friends, enjoyed many activities. Billie especially enjoyed the social hours and was grateful to be able to continue her ministry of faith at Lexington Manor. Billie will be remembered as a loving aunt, dedicated friend and an out going personality. She enjoyed everyone she met and embraced all in her wonderful and joyous life.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, William and Elizabeth McCarthy, her husband, Arthur Liss, her sister, Anne Baker, her brother, Eugene McCarthy and a niece, LeAnne Jessee. She is survived by her goddaughter and niece, Genie Gallier (Al), niece Anne Jessee (Frank) and nephew Duke Baker (Shari). Billie is, also, survived by many great and great great nieces, nephews and many cousins.