ELLEN THERESE KEARNS MCCARTHY

1930 - 2017

ELLEN THERESE KEARNS MCCARTHY Ellen Therese Kearns McCarthy, 87, Kansas City, KS, passed away December 17, 2017 after a brief illness, at Providence Medical Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, KS. Burial at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Rosary will be said at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28 at Christ the King, with visitation to follow until 7 p.m. Mrs. McCarthy was born July 14, 1930 in Kansas City, KS where she lived her whole life. She graduated from Bishop Ward High School and from Saint Mary College with a degree in chemistry and minor in art. After college, she attended Providence Hospital School of Medical Technology, where she subsequently worked as a medical technologist. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Robert Patrick McCarthy, M.D. They were married on June 11, 1955. She believed that the gift of life is a commission for service. She embodied this belief every day of her life. She considered those around her, especially those less fortunate, to be her brothers and her sisters. She cared for them accordingly and to the best of her ability, which was considerable. She possessed the genuine humbleness that characterizes truly great people. Mrs. McCarthy had a deep commitment to her community, especially to its children and those less fortunate. She was a member of the Junior League of Kansas City, KS. During her Junior League placement at Kaw View Detention Home, she became aware that the abused and neglected children were, once removed from their homes, housed in the detention center. During her term as Junior League President, together with other concerned individuals, the Wyandotte House was founded whose mission it was to provide a better place for these children in need. Over the years, the organization, now known as KVC Health Systems, has evolved, growing to serve families across many states and Washington, D.C. It is estimated that KVC positively impacts the lives of over 60,000 children and families each year. Mrs. McCarthy served on the board of directors of Wyandotte House, many years as board president. She continued to lead as president and then member of the executive board of KVC. She was a leader in the community in many arenas. She established and served as president of the board for the Wyandotte Developmental Preschool. She served on Catholic Charities Board for 11 years, as well as on Catholic Community Services Board for 6 years and a term on Catholic Neighborhood Outreach Board. She served on Duchesne Clinic Resource Council, Wyandotte County Medical Auxiliary Board, University of Saint Mary National Alumni Board, and Providence Health Center Auxiliary Board. She led Junior Great Books for 15 years. Mrs. McCarthy served lunch at St. Mary's Food Kitchen every month for many decades. She received many honors over the years, including the Kaw Valley Center Children's Award, Sign of Hope commendation from Catholic Charities, Wyandotte Developmental Disabilities Services Good Friend Award, University of Saint Mary Sr. Mary Janet McGilley Service Award, Junior League Community Honoree and Hearts of Gold Honoree. Mrs. McCarthy was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church, the LNO Travel Group, Monday Club, Conservative Capitalists Investment Club, Friends of the Arts whose purpose it is to provide scholarships to community college students, and the Senior Arts Council. She was a true patriot, and put on a grand celebration of our country every July Fourth. She was a gifted artist, able to bring beauty to canvas, paper, fabric or flour. Mrs. McCarthy tirelessly and ardently served her community but serving her family was her first calling. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert McCarthy, M.D., son Daniel and daughter Marie; brother John Kearns. Mrs. McCarthy leaves two sons, R. Patrick McCarthy, M.D. (Sue), LaGrande, OR, and Thomas T. McCarthy, D.P.T, (Johanna), Lee's Summit, MO. She leaves three daughters, Ellen T. McCarthy, M.D. (Todd Peterson), Kansas City, MO; Kathleen M. McCarthy (Dave Zimmel), Saint Paul, MN, and Bridget A. McCarthy (David), Emmitsburg, MD. She leaves her brother, the Rev. Thomas Kearns of Kansas City, KS, and 14 grandsons and four granddaughters and many beloved nieces and nephews as well as many true friends who gave her great joy throughout her life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to KVC Health Systems, 21344 W. 153rd Street, Olathe, KS 66061 or to the Sisters, Servants of Mary, 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, KS 66102. Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arr.: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444.