Josephine Ann McCarthy

Josephine is survived by her children, Michael McCarthy (Debbie) of Miami, FL, Christine Shank of Coatesville, PA, Janis Atha (Stuart) of Darien, CT, and Megan Florence (Tom) of Denver, Colorado; her grandchildren, Jennifer Toomey (Charlie) of East Fallowfield, PA, Jody Scheibe of Berwyn, PA, Lisa Speed (Todd) of Chicago, Illinois, Kevin McCarthy of Fort Pierce, FL, Andrew Atha (Lindsay) of Darien CT, Douglas Atha of Darien, CT, Kelly Florence of Denver Colorado, Matthew Florence of State College, PA and TJ Florence of Denver, Colorado; 9 great grandchildren and a brother, Sam “Bud” Houston of Livonia, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Houston and Elizabeth Mullen Houston and her loving husband of 61 years, Joseph “Joe” McCarthy.

Josephine was born on February 4, 1925 in Illinois, and was one of 5 children. She married Joe on May 22, 1947 and began her life as a mother and homemaker

She raised her children in Paoli, PA where she was an active and dedicated member of St. Norbert’s parish, and often volunteered at the Trading Post and Paoli Memorial Hospital. Jo and Joe later retired in Naples, FL where they enjoyed boating, golfing, tennis, dancing, and entertaining friends and family. Josephine also spent her time playing bridge and dominoes, teaching English to Spanish speaking community members of Naples, knitting and organizing various church functions at St. John the Evangelist Church in Naples. Following the passing of her husband, she moved back to Pennsylvania where she enjoyed re-connecting with life-long friends and spending time with her family. She treasured the new friendships she formed at Wellington Hall, where she was known as a social butterfly, making all feel welcome. Josephine had an infectious smile and touched all who knew her.

A funeral mass is scheduled for 2:30 pm on Saturday February 13, 2016 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Boot Road in West Chester. The family will receive visitors from 2:00-2:30pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Josephine’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Main Line Health HomeCare and Hospice at 240 North Radnor Chester Road, Suite 100, Radnor, PA 19087. Interment will be scheduled at a later date at the convenience of the family in the Gardens at St. John the Evangelist Church in Naples, Florida where Josephine will be joined in eternal rest with her husband Joseph.