Carol J. McCarthy

McCARTHY, Carol J. (Russell) age 81 of Norwood, passed away on Tuesday November 25, 2025.

Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Ruby (McIsaac) Russell. Carol was raised in Hyde Park, and was a graduate of Fontbonne Academy with the class of 1961. She went on to attend and earn her Advanced Masters Degree in Education from Boston State College. From there, Carol embarked on a 40 year career, with the Boston Public Schools, primarily teaching elementary school at the Greenwood and Fairmount Schools in Hyde Park, Beethoven School in West Roxbury, and the Fifield School in Dorchester. Carol focused on the pupils who needed the most attention, and ultimately gained them as allies in the classroom. She cared about all of her students and wanted each to succeed.

Outside of teaching, Carol enjoyed Irish dancing with her husband Jack, and was an accomplished watercolor painter - many of her pieces are on display at home. Carol was also an excellent cook. But the main focus of her life and motto was "Family Comes First". Nothing meant more than family.

Carol loved the Cape and spent many a summer down there. Mornings involved coffee on the deck and nights could be enjoyed with a good book or game of Trivial Pursuit.

Once retired, Carol got to enjoy more traveling with Jack. They made two trips to Europe, enjoying stays in Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria as her favorites.

Carol was the beloved wife of 58 years of John V. "Jack" McCarthy, the devoted mother of Christopher McCarthy and his wife Claudia, and the proud grandmother of Caitlin McCarthy, all of Norwood.

Visitation in the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street (Rt. 1A) NORWOOD on Monday December 1, from 9-10:30 AM, prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 547 Washington Street, Norwood at 11 AM. Private Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery, Norwood.