Edith Pauline McCarthy

- Edith "Eda" (Abruzzese) McCarthy, 94, of Concord NH, was called to be with the Lord, on Tuesday January 15th, 2019 in her home with her children by her side. She was born in Boston, MA on December 9th, 1924, the youngest child of Luigi and Teresa (Ricci) Abruzzese.

Eda grew up in Boston and graduated from Boston University. She worked as an administrative assistant for Government Research and Development where she met Jack, the love of her life. They were married in 1956 and moved to NH in 1961 to raise their family.

Although she kept the books and ran the office for their machine shop her true passion was volunteerism and helping others. This led her to a position as volunteer coordinator for RSVP, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, where she met others who inspired her to continue on that path for many years. Starting with NH Association of the Blind, to Dame school to Naples Florida Middle School, and culminating in her creation of the Morning Darling Ministry at IHM. After learning first hand how difficult it was to be homebound, she reached out over the phone lines to cheer up other seniors with a joke or a prayer on a weekly basis.

Eda was kind, generous, and witty until the very end. She very much enjoyed "still being able to make people laugh". She was very proud of her Italian heritage and her family meant the world to her. We know it was her time to go, but she will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Eda was predeceased by her husband Jack in 2002. Also, by her siblings Marian, Pasquale, and Susie of Boston. She is survived by her children, Loisa and husband Dan Kerwin of Avon Park, Florida, Terese and husband Tony Bugieda, of Barnstead, Bettina and husband Stephen Ford of Franklin, John McCarthy of Concord, and step daughter Candi Zizek of Sacramento California. Grandchildren Aly Kerwin, Nicholas, Bradley, and Jason Bugieda, Jacob and Lucas Ford, and Steven Zizek and Kristen Lecuyer. Also, all of her beloved Sentner family nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 18th, from 4-8 pm at Bennett Funeral Home in Concord. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 am Saturday, the 19th at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Concord, NH

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Concord Regional VNA at 30 Pillsbury St, Concord, NH, 03301. Eda was truly appreciative and grateful for the VNA's services and all her many wonderful friends, family, and caregivers. Their support enabled her to stay in her own home until the end.

Funeral Arrangements are entrusted by Bennett Funeral Home. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared at www.bennettfuneral.com for the McCarthy family.