Maria P. McCarthy

Maria P. McCarthy (nee Hand) was born 8-8-55 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She emigrated to the United States in 1958 with her older brother Peter. Raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Maria graduated from Bishop Noll Institute in 1973. She earned her BSN from Saint Xavier University and worked at Christ Hospital for over 20 years with a talented group of CNA's, RN's and other co-workers. As a charge nurse, Maria was the type of person you would want leading the team. Her dedication to her patients and fellow co-workers was incomparable. She was an expert at anticipating and solving problems and keeping up morale - despite the "slop de jour" in the cafeteria.

She enjoyed travel to her native home of Ireland throughout her life with a special fondness for Portnoo, Donegal and the Strand. Maria was a quick wit, as opposed to a dim wit, and she was always able to pick out the most creative gift. She was a gifted gardener, and always the sharpest tool in the shed. As a culinary genius, we enjoyed her masterpieces and will miss them dearly. Among her other talents, Maria was always quick with a stitch and a quip to needle you. An avid reader, she had a depth of knowledge unlike no other. But she was at her best when comforting those she loved.

Maria was most proud of and dedicated her life to the person she loved most - her daughter Deirdre with whom she shared both a birthday and a wicked sense of humor. They loved spending time together, baking delicacies, picking apples and seeking other adventures, many of which involved fearless feats including skydiving, zip lining and other nail-biting perils.

She was predeceased by her parents Bill Hand and Moya Hand, and her husband Patrick McCarthy. Survivors include daughter Deirdre; brother Pete (Paula) Hand; sisters, Liz (Jim) Van Tassel, Rosie (Rob) Milkowski; nephew James Van Tassel; nieces, Carrie (Chris) Fulkerson, Lauren Van Tassel, and Sarah, Margaret and Allison Milkowski.

The family would like to thank her caregivers Dr. Balandrin, Dr. Jacobs, and others at Christ Hospital and the whole team at Rush Hospital, including Drs. Batus, and Arndt and nurses Kim Smallwood and Martina Lomibao, as well as the nurses on the Oncology and MICU floors, particularly Lacey on the last day.

A special heartfelt thanks to Dr. Marwaha and Sarah Anderson, RN at Rush who went above and beyond.

Visitation, Sunday, April 3, 2016, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Her celebration of life will continue with funeral service, Monday, April 4, 9:30 am at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W 103rd St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, 708-636-1193.