1953
2010
Ann Therese McCarthy of Ojai died Oct. 19, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born Dec. 4, 1953 in Decatur, Ill., to Frederick and Mary Bridwill Hendricks, Ann was the second of three children. She was their only daughter and her parents affectionately called her "their rose between the thorns." After graduating from MacArthur High School in 1972, Ann moved to California where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Northridge and her teaching certificate and master's degree in education from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
A committed educator, Ann taught elementary school in the Oxnard Unified School District for 24 years, the last 19 years at Rose Ave. School. She received numerous awards including the "WHO" Award, and the Don Baer Award of which she was especially proud. A longtime activist in the Oxnard Educators Association (OEA), Ann served as president of the OEA for more than 10 years. She also served on the grievance and bargaining committees, among others, and was the Elementary Director and Building Site Representative for the past year and a half. She will be remembered as a thoughtful, articulate leader; tolerant of opposing views and able to see beyond labels in order to reach consensus.
Ann was an active member of St. George's Anglican Episcopal Church, Ventura, and had served as Treasurer of the AEC.
Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Mary, and her mother's second husband, Keith Dial.
She is survived by her husband, John McCarthy of Ojai; daughter, Laurene McCarthy of Ojai; stepdaughter, Fairelynn McCarthy of Santa Clarita; father, Frederick Hendricks of Illinois; and brothers, David M. Hendricks and Richard F. Hendricks of Wisconsin. A loving wife, devoted mother, faithful friend, and dedicated educator, Ann will be missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Joseph Reardon Funeral Home, 757 E. Main St., Ventura, 643-8623.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rose Ave. School College Fund established for Laurene McCarthy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Debbie Williams
November 20, 2010
I see this book will go offline on Thanksgiving day. Just want a chance to tell John and Laurene that I hope memories of past holidays are able to help you get through this first one without your Wife or Mom. Take care and I will see you guys later.
debbie williams
November 9, 2010
thinking of John and Laurene today. Though I know each day is hard I hope good memories come through every now and again.
Lou Ann Schlichter
November 8, 2010
My condolences to John & Laurene. I met Ann when she would come to my quilt store for supplies. Laurene would crawl on the wood floors while Mom shopped. Soon, both Mom & daughter were doing crafts together. A pleasurable blessing to have known Ann!
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HELEN LOPEZ
November 2, 2010
My condolences to Ann's family. I had the pleasure of knowing Ann since she arrived in Oxnard. She was a wonderful person, an excellent teacher, I have fond memories as does my family.
A Espinoza
October 30, 2010
Mrs. McCarthy was both my children's teacher. Alyssa came home crying when told of Mrs. McCarthy's passing. I myself felt very sad about the news. I helped in class and it was a great honor helping her in her class. Thank you for showing both my kids the world has no limits. My condolences to the family.
Linda MacDonald
October 29, 2010
What a wonderful legacy this woman of courage has left for her family and friends. She inspired me as I watched her meet the challenges of our teacher's union. Courage is contagious and I thank you Ann for that. It has made a difference in my life.
P Orozco
October 29, 2010
Mrs. McCarthy, was to be my sons teacher this year but due to illness, the kids have had a sub. My son came home sad when the sub told them of Mrs. McCarthy's passing. Thank You for being an educator, leader, and mentor to children. My condolences to the family.
Robert Yenney
October 28, 2010
Thanks Ann,for all you did for us at Rose. You were a great leader, and great teacher. You fought the good fight in so many ways. You will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. We're going to carry on. My condolences to your family.
Debbie Williams
October 27, 2010
John and Laurene~ I am so sorry about your loss. I have known Ann for what seems like all of my life although I guess it was only about 30 years. She was always a very nice person but she truly became the wonderful woman she was meant to be when the two of you came into her life. She absolutely loved you Laurene from the moment she knew you were coming. I am sorry your time with your Mom has ended way too soon but just know how much she loved you and was so proud of you. I hope that good memories will bring smiles to both of your faces in the future.
Jim Hendrickson
October 27, 2010
Ann was outspoken, friendly, and had a great sense of humor.
She gave the best years of her life to the schools and students
of Oxnard. Her time and effort on behalf of teachers was
enormous, and she had the courage to say what needed to be
said. I've known her over 20 years and will miss her. For the
family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Jim Hendrickson
October 27, 2010
Ann was outspoken, friendly, and had a great sense of humor.
She gave the best years of her life to the schools and students
of Oxnard. Her time and effort on behalf of teachers was enormous, and she had the courage to say what needed to be
said. I've known Ann for over 20 years and will miss her. For
the family, I am so sorry for your loss.
John Uelmen
October 27, 2010
I am greatly saddened to hear of Anne's passing. She was a strong advocate for the teaching profession which earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues not just in Oxnard, but throughout California for her work in the California Teachers Association.
Ana Morales-Solorzano
October 26, 2010
It was truly an honor to know Mrs. McCarthy. She will truly be missed by all her kids at Rose Ave. We were blessed to have her as a teacher for my two youngest children, Josiah & Savannah. The work she did to help my son is something I will ALWAYS hold dear to my heart. She was a true angle, always having something inspiring and motivating to share with the kids. My condolences to all of her family, friends, co-workers and students.
Mrs. Mc Carthy, thank you for your dedication. Thank your for your inspiration. Your work was not in vain. Savannah and Josiah were devastated when they got the news. I already let them know even though you will be missed we will meet again. May God bless you in your new found beauty!
With much love and gratitude,
The Solórzano Family
Sandy Weltz
October 26, 2010
My condolences to the McCarthy family, Ann were a wonderful person and teacher. Her family came first and then her profession. She was a wife, mother, leader, role model, and mentor.
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