KATHLEEN PHILOMENA McCARTHY

(September 29, 1930 – June 16, 2025) Kathleen McCarthy (née Burke) of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away peacefully, on June 16, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of Daniel McCarthy (d. 1986); cherished mother of Margo (Matt), Mary (Steve), John (Jean), Karen (Fitton), Daniel (David) and Brian (Cathy); and loving gran to Delenn, Jack and Evelyne. Born in Gortnalea, Ireland, Kathleen was the eldest of six siblings, and is survived by her sisters, Noreen and Mary Teresa; and predeceased by her brothers, Tommy, Frank and Jackie. She attended primary school in Galway and was selected to attend secondary school in Roscommon, where she received first class honours. After completing school, Kathleen moved to Dublin, where she worked for the Irish government and met her husband, Daniel, at a local dance. Kathleen moved to Canada with Daniel in the early 1960s, settling in Orleans where they raised their six children. While Kathleen fully embraced her life in Canada, she cherished her visits to Ireland to spend time with her siblings, nieces and nephews. She was also an active member of the Irish Society of Ottawa, where she made dear lifelong friends. Kathleen was known for her generosity, selflessness, and unwavering optimism. She was quick to laugh, saw the positive in any situation, and offered wise counsel and unconditional support to her children. Mom gave the biggest bear hugs and inspired us with her grace, strength, and resilience, especially following the early passing of our father. Kathleen loved and was dearly loved by her many friends and her warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on all those who knew her. Her home was always open to her children's friends with additional places set at the table for holiday gatherings and special occasions. Kathleen was a keen host who delighted in serving abundant amounts of food and wine to her appreciative guests. While she was a gentle soul, mom had an adventurous spirit and one of her greatest joys was travelling with her children across Canada, the US, Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and Australia, and found immense joy in spending winters in Florida and visits to Prince Edward County. She also took great joy in everyday pleasures, whether it was living in her Glebe apartment overlooking the canal, daily walks, breakfast with family and friends, playing bingo, cheering on the Senators or trying her luck at the casino. An avid reader with a keen curiosity, Kathleen stayed informed on current events and enjoyed spirited political discussions. She also spent many years volunteering at the Distress Centre of Ottawa providing compassion and guidance to those in need. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful team at the Ottawa Civic Hospital for their exceptional care during her final days. Visitation and funeral service will be held at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa. Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, with the funeral service in the Central Chapel on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute or the Ottawa Civic Hospital. Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-748-1200