Irene V. McCarthy

Irene Virginia McCarthy, 96, of Jacksonville Florida, formerly of Ledyard, Connecticut died peacefully in her home on April 19, 2025.

She was born on September 23, 1928 in New York City, the daughter of John Peter and Mary Virginia Colwell.

She married Thomas John Francis McCarthy on June 5, 1948 at Good Shepherd Church in New York City.  

As a Navy wife Irene lived in Virginia, California, South Carolina, Florida and Scotland.  Finally settling in Connecticut after her husband’s retirement and then in Jacksonville, Florida after his death.

Irene was a determined force and  followed  her children’s education path obtaining her high school diploma while her children were in college, and then went on to earn her Associate Degree from Mohegan Community College and Bachelor Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Western Connecticut State University.

Following her graduation from college, Irene held positions as  a State Bail Commissioner, social worker on a men’s ward  at Norwich State Hospital, and finally as a community social worker for people who were discharged  from Norwich State hospital caring for her clients with respect and dignity.

Irene was predeceased by her husband Tom, beloved grandson Matthew Brown McCarthy and sister Helen L. Chanowsky.

She is survived by her daughter Kathleen McCarthy, Jacksonville, Fl, son Father Dennis McCarthy, Waterford, Connecticut, sister Virginia LiSanti,  Manalapan, New Jersey and several nieces and nephews.  

The family wishes to extend profound thanks to Irene’s care giver during this last year, KimTanya Jamison, who brought both comfort, care and laughter into Irene’s life.  We are forever grateful. Her hospice nurse Kristi who was always ready to duel with Irene’s sharp wit and humor while providing care and solace to her and her family.   

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the staff at  Community Hospice of Jacksonville, Florida 

There will be a closed casket visitation hour on Friday, April 25, from10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 149 Montauk Avenue, New London, CT  followed by 11:00 Mass.

Internment will take place immediately following mass at Avery-Stoddard Cemetery, 202 Stoddard’s Wharf Road, Gales Ferry, CT.  

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to St Ann Melkite Greek Catholic Church, 41 Cross Road, Waterford, CT 0 or St.  Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105