Elizabeth Ann McCarthy

Liz McCarthy (nee Cissell) of St. Charles, Missouri, fortified with the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, passed away on November 7, at the age of 76 after an 8-month battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Liz was the treasured wife of Mark McCarthy, cherished mother of Keri (David) Skeeters, Ryan (Beth) McCarthy, and Matthew (Kelly) McCarthy and devoted grandmother of Joshua Skeeters, Kaitlyn Skeeters, Jenna Skeeters, Daniel Skeeters, Molly McCarthy, Kate McCarthy, Toni Keeven, Dean Keeven, and Andi McCarthy. Liz was the dear daughter of the late Clarence and Jane Cissell and beloved sister of Tom (Peggy) Cissell, John (Marcia) Cissell, Bob (Christy) Cissell and Mary Kaye (David) Roseman.

Liz's 54-1/2 years of marriage to Mark and her care and love for her children and grandchildren are testament to her lifestyle of quiet dedication and outspoken faith. Liz was devoted to her St. Cletus parish family as well, as witnessed by over 50 years serving as a Lector, as a Communion Minister, a member of Liturgy Planning, Parish Council, School Board, and as a Marriage Mentor. Liz's ethic of serving others extended beyond family and parish. Together, Liz and Mark served as leaders in Worldwide Marriage Encounter for 12 years in St. Louis and in the Central United States region.

Over 25 years ago, Liz embraced a new vocation when Mark embarked on the journey to become a deacon. Liz walked every step with Mark, attending Diaconate classes for 5 years, and she encouraged and supported Mark in his ministry to God's people for over 20 years.

Liz's love for Jesus and her desire to share that love with others was so apparent. She cherished the opportunity to spend a quiet hour with her Lord in prayer for the needs of others at weekly Eucharistic Adoration. Liz also had an extraordinary relationship with Mary, the mother of Jesus as witnessed by her desire not only to pray the rosary frequently but also by holding and praying her cherished green Irish rosary each night before falling asleep. Her relationship with Mary was the foundation of a friendship that provided her with strength, inspiration, and unwavering support each day of her life, especially during her last months.

Liz shared her faith beyond the boundaries of the church community. Through her work as both a co-owner of an electrical contracting company with her husband, Mark, and in her work as an administrative assistant to the assistant superintendent of the City of St. Charles School District, Liz's words and actions actively demonstrated her faith and love of God.

Liz found solace and inspiration in the beauty of God's creations. As an award-winning photographer, Liz would use her lens to reveal the world's splendors and awe found in nature and in animals. Her photographs revealed the magnificence discovered at the lake with Mark, in the quiet of her own backyard, and in some of the most unlikely places such as a city landscape. Liz's photography can be viewed at: lmvisions.smugmug.com.

Above everything, love of God and family were the most important elements of her daily life.

Liz’s family welcomes Memorial Mass intentions and contributions to BJC Hospice and Siteman Cancer Research in lieu of flowers.