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Goble Funeral Home
OBITUARY

Lynn Ellen McCarthy

January 30, 1938 – March 17, 2021

Lynn Ellen McCarthy was born Lynn Ellen Tilton to Russell and Edna Tilton on January 30, 1938, at Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, NY. As the oldest of five children, she was able to hone her “managerial” expertise and once at the helm of life, did not relinquish her post. She loved her family deeply and they loved her back, tolerating the sisterly advice that Lynn dispensed freely and generously. Together, they grew and learned the importance of the ties that bind. They were her foundation and she treasured them always.

She attended St. Barnabas High School in the Bronx and went to nursing school at St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in Greenwich Village, NYC. There, she learned skills that served her well her entire life, inside and outside the hospital. She also formed life-long friendships that were dear to her until her final days. Being a nurse suited her to perfection and was a deep source of pride for us all. When we saw pictures of her in her uniform and cape, we knew that was the origin story of our very own super-hero.

She married the love of her life, Cornelius “Chubby” McCarthy at Our Lady of the Lake in Sparta, NJ, on September 20, 1958. Their bond was profound and their teamwork, unparalleled. They were truly in love. Their first 5 children were born in 60 months, and later, they added 2 more to their brood. Lynn applied her nurse’s training and our dad’s military background to running her household. Her home was always a testament to her high standards and diligence. To her loving children, it also exuded warmth. Ours was a home open to all, and our dinner table was rarely just us.

She was stop-traffic gorgeous. As children, we couldn’t believe how radiant and beautiful she was. Her jet-black hair cut in a pixie style with her signature flash of bright red lipstick belied her physical strength - despite being a mere 5ft feet tall and 100 pounds, her ability to do it all was Herculean. We were in awe of what she could accomplish in just one day.

Her friends, her church and our school community were vital parts of her life. She gravitated to moms of other large families and those friendships became like family to her. She loved to entertain all who were dear to her in her home. On many a weekend night at bedtime, we kids could hear the adults’ uproarious laughter float up the stairs from the dining room. Her open door, open arms, creativity and attention to detail in entertaining paved our lives with the most beautiful memories.

She had 17 grandchildren and adored each and every one of them. She was involved in their lives daily, and they filled her with joy and pride. She showered them with love, attention, gifts, cards, advice, and deeply flawed dictation texts (which should be released in book-form one day). She dedicated her older years to making sure they were all happy, safe, content and heading in the right direction. She cultivated unique relationships with every single one of them and exhausted her bragging rights daily.

She taught all of us the importance of sharing what we had. There was no one more generous, welcoming and kind. Many of our friends became her friends and family. She knew how lucky she was to have a wonderful life and she wanted to make a difference in other’s lives as well. She never stopped giving of herself. There was no better mom and Nana and now, we’ll carry her torch, together.

She was predeceased by her beloved son,Timothy Andrew and her adored husband, Cornelius Patrick McCarthy.

She is survived by her son, Neal McCarthy and his wife Gail, Eileen Born and her husband Craig, Kelly Leary and her husband PJ, Megan Kelly and her husband John, Nora King and her husband Teddy, Molly Wenger and her husband Mitch and her 17 cherished grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted under Goble Funeral Home 22 Main St., Sparta, NJ 07871. Due to COVID restrictions, her services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pope John XXIII Regional High School, 28 Andover Road, Sparta, NJ, 07871.

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Glynnis Caufield Seemuller

March 25, 2021

Lynn will be missed dearly by our whole family. I can’t begin to say what she meant to me. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. PS found this great pic of Gram/Pegge and Lynn, had to share.
Love, Glynnis

Kelly Caufield

March 23, 2021

To all the Mcarthys:
Well I can say from all the Caufield’s and Crisman’s that Lynn was such a great friend to pegge. When mom passed Lynn would check in on all of us!!! We lost Fran and Drew the same week as your dear mother!!! She was great person and so generous to us all!!! Treasure your memories and keep them close to you all!! My prayer go out to all the family!!!
All my love, Kelly caufield

Sue Marone King

March 21, 2021

My sincerest condolences to the entire McCarthy family. What a blessing and a gift to have had such a special person in your lives. Nothing can ever fill the space that a warm and loving mother and grandmother occupied. May you be comforted by the wonderful memories you have.

Suzanne Hautau Romania

March 21, 2021

My deepest sympathies to the McCarthys, my second family in high school. It was so warming to see Lynn on occasion during my child's tenure at Pope John. She was just as warm and caring as I had remembered her. I will always cherish her memory. My prayers are with all of you. Peace. Sue

Doreen Trudeau

March 20, 2021

Lynn went out of her way to make everyone feel welcomed and warm in her family focused, laughter filled home. I have vivid memories of our junior prom eve spent in part with The McCarthy's. You have a beautiful family that is so much due to your wonderful parents.
Hold each other close and rest well, Lynn.

Bob Kenny

March 20, 2021

Dear Neal, Eileen, Megan, Kelly and Nora

For the over 45 years, to me, St. Patrick’s Day has been synonymous with Lynn and Chubby. Naturally I was very sad reading the announcement but smiled out loud when I saw the date. Among your mother’s many outstanding attributes her timing, as you know, for better or worse, could be impeccable. Nevertheless, orchestrating a big party on March 17th at the gates of St. Peter as Chubby runs into her iconic open arms? Well, that just takes the soda bread.

On November 22nd 1963, upon hearing the sad news of that day, Daniel Patrick Moynihan is reported to have whispered, “To be Irish is to know that someday the world will break your heart.”

Even with a broken heart Lynn was a shining example to all, as she lived a life full of passion, laughter, and thoughtfulness.

For a brief shinning moment can we pretend we are in the dinning room of the old Jared Coffin House where your mother would look down the long table at all of you and literally beam with love, pride, and unmitigated happiness? let’s raise glasses in absentia until a time when we can hear the glasses clinking.

Marcella Donovan

March 20, 2021

How fortunate you were to have such a wonderful person in your life. May loving memories of your mother bring you comfort during this difficult time. She will always be alive in your heart.

Dan and I shared so many good times with your Mom and Dad.

Kathy McCarten

March 20, 2021

Lynne was my Dad's first cousin. He loved her very much and she was a big part of the influence that helped him to decide to raise his five children in Lake Mohawk. She wanted him to know she would always be there to help him.
She was.
Growing up in Lake Mohawk was the best gift of my life. I am forever grateful.
Many times over the years I would hear my Dad speaking to Lynn on the phone about something perhaps he did not discuss with others. I know my Dad would want us McCarten kids to say thank you to Lynn and Chubby for all the love and support they gave to him and all of us.
I have so many memories of being at Lynn and Chubby's home for family barbecues and "everyone" would be there. So much laughter and fun. Their marriage was a glowing example for all of us on what love and caring is all about.
Lynn was so kind and generous to my sister and her children at a time when it meant more than any words can say.
I was older than Lynn's children so sometimes I babysat.
Megan was my favorite. She and I had a very special relationship and I have never forgotten it. :)
I moved away from Sparta as a young adult and never got to see Lynn very much after that. She was always there in our families happy times and in the sad losses we experienced. She stood with my Dad and family through it all. She always took the time to look for me and to sit with me. Lynn would take my hand and look me right in the eye and ask me how I really was.
Those few visits with her love and care helped me many times in my life.
My Nana was Lynn's mothers sister. They were very close.
I always thought Lynn was stunning. To me she was the most beautiful lady in our family. As I grew to adulthood I learned that the beauty of her heart and soul was unmatched as well.
Rest well Lynn.
Your cousin Jimmy loves you and his children thank you for the gift of love and generosity you gave us all .
-Kathy McCarten

David Schwab

March 20, 2021

My condolences to the McCarthy family. We will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.

Carol Kitchin

March 20, 2021

I was so saddened to hear of the loss of a great woman. She was always so welcoming whether at her home, at Our Lady of the Lake Church or on the PJ campus I was always greeted with her warm smile. Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family as you celebrate the life and legacy of a true classic.

FROM THE FAMILY

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