Marie S. McCarthy was born July 14, 1929 in Herington, Kan., to Leo and Laura Schumacher. Marie spent her childhood on the Schumacher family farm before moving to Topeka, Kan., in 1945, where she attended Topeka High School. An outstanding student, Marie majored in Math at the University of Kansas before later earning a Master's degree in Special Education from the National College of Education in Chicago, Ill. A natural-born leader, Marie served as president of the Association of Women Students, the Pan-Hellenic Council, and her sorority during her college years. Marie married Charles D. McCarthy on October 26, 1951 before faithfully embarking on a series of moves around the country to help Charles grow his career. Always independent in her own right, Marie would go on to serve as an outstanding teacher in schools in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Rhode Island, and California, while still managing the challenges of raising three children, Kellye, Kent, and Kregg. Upon retirement, Marie and Charles lived in Arcadia, Calif., before moving to Palm Desert, Calif., in 1993, where Marie served as an active and spirited member of the local volunteer community; an avid craftswoman, cook, and bridge player; and, above all, a devoted grandmother. After a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis, Marie passed away in her home at the Carlotta, Friday morning. She was 83. Marie is survived by her husband Charles McCarthy, 85; sister Edna Morris of Abilene, Kan., 77; daughter Kellye Abernathy; sons Kent and Kregg McCarthy; daughters-in-law Missy and Joanne McCarthy; and eight grandchildren: Ian, Brendan, and Mackenzie Abernathy; Charlie, Annie, and Molly McCarthy; and Kayla and Dylan McCarthy. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Schumacher. Marie will be remembered for her ceaselessly outgoing disposition, her never-ending lack of energy, her strong-willed determination, her sincere appreciation and enjoyment of the simple things in life, and her undying love for her grandchildren. A memorial will be held at 1pm, Thursday, April 4th, at the Fountains of Carlotta Assisted Living. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/donate. Forest Lawn Cathedral City is in charge of arrangements.
