Peggy Sunderland McCarthy

Peggy Sunderland McCarthy
A special Irish lady, Peggy Sunderland McCarthy, departed this life on January 6th, 2025, surrounded by those who love her. Her 98 years were a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived, full of faith, love, and unwavering strength. Peggy was the beloved wife of her cherished husband, David, for a dynamic 67 years-a partnership rooted in devotion, humor, and steadfast love. Together, they built a family that was her greatest pride: Maura (and her husband, Thomas Stavovy), Kerry Devlin, Patrick, Pegeen Alexander, Joseph (and his wife, Angela), Emmett, Lawrence (and his wife, Tammy), and Kathleen (and her husband, Guy Dufresne). Her love extended warmly to her grandchildren Tim (and his wife, Bridget), Dylan (and his wife, Ayse), Dan, Patrick (and his wife, Maria), Katie, and Kevin, and great-grandchildren, Davy, Yusuf, and Cora, each of whom she adored and nurtured with wisdom and joy. Peggy credited her lifelong passion for learning to the Dominican Sisters at Cathedral High School, Class of 1944, in Manhattan, associated with St. Patrick's Cathedral. She furthered her education at Hunter College and later at Albertus Magnus College. As a founding member of the North Haven Art Guild, Peggy cultivated a deep love for oil and watercolor painting. Her artistic and musical talents also found expression in the Welsh Choral Society in New York City and the Our Lady of Mount Carmel church choir in Hamden. In addition, Peggy generously volunteered her calligraphy skills for 27 years at the Ronald McDonald House, leaving a lasting legacy of service and artistry. To step into Peggy's home was to be embraced by a spirit of kindness and purpose, heralded by the sign at her front door: "What good shall I do this day?" It was a philosophy she lived by, guiding her actions with generosity and thoughtfulness. Ever the gracious host, she welcomed all to her table with a warm smile, a perfectly brewed cup of tea, and her signature Irish bread-a gesture of love that nourished both body and soul. Peggy's indomitable strength inspired all who knew her. Whether through the joys and challenges of raising a large family or the creative pursuits she held dear, Peggy embodied courage and perseverance. She was a voracious reader of The New York Times and was never without a book. An artist, a writer, and an eternal optimist, she found beauty in the world and reflected it back in all she did. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life-a thoughtful and enduring foundation that informed her approach to life's triumphs and trials alike. Peggy's sparkling blue eyes revealed a light that shone brightly through both joy and hardship. Her disarming charm, paired with a sharp wit and boundless wisdom, made her a force to be reckoned with-graceful yet never to be underestimated. She taught us how to love, how to cherish family above all else, and how to find happiness in the simple yet profound connections that bind us all together. To her family, Peggy was a model of strength, grace, and unconditional love. She will forever be remembered as an amazing example: wise, kind, generous, funny, intelligent, and above all, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Peggy leaves behind a legacy of love-a glue that will continue to hold her family together, reminding us always of her extraordinary life and the lessons she imparted. The family asks that you honor Peggy's memory by embracing her mantra: "What good shall I do this day?" Rest in peace, Peggy. You were, and will always remain, our guiding light. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 129 Edwards St., New Haven. Burial in All Saints Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday from 4 - 7 p.m. in Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave., Hamden. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Ronald McDonald House, 860 Howard Ave., New Haven, CT 06519. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.siskbrothers.com