Ilene Whitney McCarthy

Dear Uncle Larry, Terie, Pat, Tim, Mary, and family,
I have made several attempts to write my expressions of sympathy and love to you over the past week, but it is still so difficult to believe, and I am still having a hard time holding back my tears. I can't even imagine the pain and sense of loss that you all must be experiencing. I wish that I could take away your sadness and the emptiness that you feel now. But, I KNOW that God hears your cries and in time, He WILL restore your...

Dear Larry,

Over the course of the past week I have reflected on times in my life when Ilene touched my life and guided me. Starting from a baby as you and Ilene stood up as my God Parents. Then summers visiting at Geneva on the Lake. I remember the summer I spent a couple of weeks in Virgina and I thought I was so special to be able to spend time with my God Parents. Once when I visited Seguin Ilene and I went on an adventure to Gruene, TX. I don't think either one of us knew...

Dear Terie, Pat, Tim and Mary Lou,

Over the years as our families have been brought together for celebrations and separated by geographic miles, I have always felt very close to my McCarthy Cousins. Some of my best/happiest memories involve one or more McCarthy Cousin. You have all always been close in my heart and mind. Especially now I can't even begin to imagine the flow of emotions you are experiencing. Your Mom was a big influence on my life and I know she was a bigger...

Dear Larry, Terry, Pat, Tim and Mary Lou,

I was in a state of shock, dismay and sadness over Ilene's passing. I wasn't even aware that she was ill, which didn't surprise me knowing her dignity. If she was sick, I can totally imagine her not wanting to burden anyone outside of her immediate family. I am glad that she died peacefully and with you, Larry. Her love and pride in you, her children, their spouses and her many grandchildren was always evident, as is your love for them,...

Dear Uncle Larry,
Over the years I have always have had fond memories of you and Ilene. I feel lucky and priveleged to have been part of your life. I remember when I was younger, the many visits we enjoyed together and how excited I was to see my Aunt and Uncle from Texas. I am sorry for your loss and will pray for you and your children.
Sincerely
Larry Mike

To the entire McCarthy Family,
During these days of sorrow grow from this. It is from this growth that we become strong people, just as your wife/mother was a strong person.
Ilene is smiling down on all of us, lifting her beer to us, and wanting nothing more than us to be happy.
I tipped my hat to her on Valentines Day and asked for her and all our loved ones to continue to guard us as we travel on this earth and look forward to being reunited in heaven.
Love to you all...

Dear Uncle Larry, Colonel, Sir and Terrie, Pat, Tim and Mary Lou,
I am heartbroken over the loss of Aunt Ilene. Not only do I feel for you all, but for your children and significant others. I feel so blessed to have known such an extraordinary wit. I have so many fond memories of all of you from an age I cannot remember through this very day.
I am so proud of all of you in your love of God and your careers and interests and extended families. And who gets the credit? Dear...

Dear Uncle Larry -

How blessed your family has been to have lived with and loved such a magnanimous and God-fearing woman.

I cannot think of Ilene without you, or of you without Ilene.

I hope that God cradles your aching heart while you adapt to living without half of yourself.

I am speaking from experience, though, when I tell you that you can still share your life with Ilene. Her spirit will remain with you for all of the rest of your days. And...