Sheila Rae McCarthy

Sheila (Van Duinen) McCarthy passed away September 12 at home in Frankfort MI at age 75. She was preceded by her parents Raymond and Mary Van Duinen. Her sister Julita Moyle and her sister-in-law Sue Van Duinen. She will be forever cherished by her husband Dan, sons Ryan and Shane (Kelly) and granddaughters Talia, Meadow and Scarlett. Also surviving are her sister Germaine Czarnecki (Mike) and brother Patrick. Additionally, her in-laws Steve, Brian and Martha McCarthy and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sheila was born in Grand Rapids and educated at St. Francis Xavier elementary and Catholic Central High School (67). Completing the local trifecta, she was a proud graduate of Aquinas College. She was an original advocate for the development of the Whistle Stop after school daycare program. She worked for many years as a licensed medical Social Worker at Butterworth/Spectrum Hospital and Our Hope.

Sheila's lifelong search for spiritual peace and wisdom led her to a yearlong study and certificate program at Marywood Academy in Spiritual Leadership. She attended with great appreciation and reverence Pope John Paul II's Silverdome Mass. While living in England Sheila led Sarratt Care an adjunct of the local Women's Institute which provided social services to village residents. She travelled to Belfast, North Ireland to celebrate the Good Friday Accords with The Dalai Lama.

Sheila loved the written word and was an avid chronicler of her life and times. She shared her thoughts, feelings and emotions in many dozens of dairies, journals and calendars. A vast amount of trip and vacation memories record our many adventures together.

We are forever grateful to family and friends who held our hands and helped guide us through Sheila's lengthy illness! Munson Hospice was invaluable to Sheila's comfort. Particularly Nacole, Nancy and Maria!

A celebration of Sheila's life will be held in Grand Rapids in January 2026. Memorial donations would be welcome through the Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN) website. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia, Mi.