Janet Marie McCarthy

Janet Marie McCarthy
July 29, 1926-Jan 10, 2013
Resident of Saratoga
Janet passed away after a long illness, preceded in death by Leonard, her husband of 53 years. She was survived by her children Joe (Sue), Deel, Tim (Cynthia Porter), Maureen Donohoe (Pat), Phil (Paula), Pat (Zoe Cordova-McCarthy), Rosemary (Eric Purviance), Mark, Tom (Maria Simeone-McCarthy), and Ted (Gina); 18 Grandchildren and 3 Great-Grandchildren. Also survived by brother and sister-in-law Jim and Pat Lilley of Roswell NM, and their 10 children.
Janet was born in Minneapolis Minnesota to J. F. "Tex" Lilley and Marcella (Maher) Lilley. They moved several times through her youth, but returned to Papa's native Texas during high school. Janet majored in Spanish at the University of Texas. She met her future husband Leonard at the campus Newman Club, which he visited while stationed at nearby Randolph Field. After Janet graduated, and Leonard finished his service term in the Army Air Corps, they were married in 1947, and moved to Leonard's native Cupertino.
Janet was a homemaker as they began raising a family that grew to 10 children.
They moved from Cupertino to Saratoga in 1951, and Janet was an extremely active member of the Sacred Heart Parish ever since its founding in 1952. Janet's faith in God was the driving force in her life.
Janet was busy in numerous volunteer activities, including serving terms as President of the Sacred Heart Mothers' Club and of Archbishop Mitty High Mothers' Club, and acted as director of Sacred Heart School's Sports Program for 7 years. She was also active in the Young Ladies Institute and the American Association of University Women.
As the children grew up, Janet began a second working career, first at Leonard's construction business McCarthy and Spiesman, then later at the development department at Mitty High, then at De Anza College in the Child Development Center before retiring.
Janet loved being surrounded by her family and friends and entertaining. Most Sunday nights were an open invitation.
No story of Janet's life would be complete without including her love of playing bridge. She was a member of numerous clubs, playing with some of the same groups for well over 50 years.
Friends are invited to a viewing Wednesday, January 16, from 9 am to 9 pm, with a Vigil Service starting at 7 pm at the Alameda Family Saratoga-Cupertino Funeral Home, Saratoga. There will be a memorial Mass on Thursday, January 17, 10:00AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 13724 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, CA, followed by internment at Madronia Cemetary, Saratoga.
Family requests that remembrances be made in the form of offerings to the charity of your choice.