Carroll "Mitzi" McCaffrey

1938 - 2025

Carroll "Mitzi" (Donahue) McCaffrey
December 15, 1938 - November 1, 2025
Mrs. Carroll (Donahue) McCaffrey, 86, affectionately known as "Mitzi", beloved wife of the late John Francis McCaffrey Sr., died peacefully, November 1st, 2025 at the Herrick House in Beverly, Mass.
Mitzi was born in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of the late John R. and Mary Carroll Donahue. Raised and educated in Detroit, she graduated from Marygrove University, a private Roman Catholic college founded and run by the sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It was there that her deep faith and spirit of generosity were nurtured-values that guided her throughout her life. This foundation of faith shaped her character from an early age, and it remained her compass until her final days.
Mitzi began her career as an educator, teaching in both Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Detroit, Michigan. She and her soon-to-be lifelong partner and husband of 56 years, John, shared a belief that the greatest gift one could give or receive was the gift of education. As they began their family, Mitzi devoted her time and love to creating a warm, welcoming home, while supporting her four children in all of their pursuits. The McCaffrey home was always lively - filled with laughter, sports, music, competition, and love.
John's career took the family from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, to New Canaan, Connecticut, and later to Winnetka, Illinois, before they eventually returned full circle to Connecticut. There, Mitzi rediscovered her passion for education and volunteering which became her vocation, as she devoted countless hours to the St. Aloysius Parish and School for over 20 years.
Mitzi was happiest when surrounded by her ever-growing family - at home, with family dinners and traditions, and time together. She was a passionate supporter of her children's athletic and artistic endeavors and took immense joy in cheering on the next generation, her grandchildren, as they followed in those footsteps. Whether watching footballs, hockey pucks, basketballs, or lacrosse balls fly, or standing by the door with the family dog waiting for the next "adventure," she took it all in with a smile and love in her heart. Through every chapter of family life, Mitzi remained the gentle, steady presence who anchored them all. Her legacy of kindness, faith, and family will forever live on in all who loved her.
Mitzi is survived by her sons, John F. McCaffrey Jr. and his wife, Bree of Southlake, TX; Timothy McCaffrey Sr. and his wife, Alyson of Houston, TX, Robert McCaffrey Sr. and his wife, Ashley of Milton, MA; and her daughter, Carroll Willa and her husband, Keith of Topsfield, MA. "Mitzi" leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Macyn and Miller McCaffrey, Mary and Timothy McCaffrey Jr., Kailyn and Hunter Willa, and Betsy, Bert and Teddy McCaffrey. She was the sister of the late Mary Kay Gersuk and Jack Donahue Jr. and leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass which will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church, Park St., Topsfield, MA, Saturday, Nov. 8th at 10:30 A.M. A celebration of life will follow at The 1640 Hart House, Ipswich, MA immediately following the mass. All are welcome. Assisting the family with arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., DANVERS. Donations may be made to Catholic Charities North, 117 North Common St., Lynn, MA 01902. To share a memory, visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com