Vivian Joyce McCarthy

Vivian Joyce McCarthy, age 79, of Danbury passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 30th. She was born in Norwalk on October 4, 1930, daughter of Andrew and Vivian (Wood) Krimbill. She was a graduate of Norwalk High School and Danbury Teacher's College. She touched many young lives throughout her more than 30 year career as an elementary teacher. Joyce was married to William Francis McCarthy DDS, the love of her life. Joyce will be missed by her children Patricia McCarthy of Danbury, Maureen Wagher of Danbury, Kevin McCarthy and his wife Suzanne of Gakona, Alaska, and John McCarthy of Danbury. Joyce also had eight grandchildren who will miss her encouraging words and awesome listening skills. They are Maeve and Peter Tuite, Alanna and Nikolas Wagher, and Jessica, Ruby, Emily and Dillon McCarthy. She also leaves behind her sister Andrea Whiteman and husband Gordy of Guilford, Connecticut. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews Joyce had many interests and enjoyed the simplest of pleasures throughout life. These included her love for nature, flowers, birds and her dogs. During the summer months she could be found in her garden appreciating with wonder the colors of her various flowers. Joyce believed in helping others and did so selflessly throughout the years. She served her community in a variety of ways including many years as a volunteer at the Danbury Hospital and at the Dorothy Day Hospitality House. Joyce also spent many years as a volunteer at Sacred Heart Bingo and at Saint Marguerite parish in Brookfield. She was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 24 years and was devoted to helping others in recovery and believed in giving back to this program. Joyce loved to try new things and was always learning new arts and crafts producing beautiful paintings scarves, blankets and sweaters which she gave to many to many dear friends and family members. She also enjoyed traveling both locally and around the world. In spite of her health challenges, with cancer she maintained an extremely positive attitude and recently traveled to Ireland with her granddaughter Maeve and to the Galapagos Islands on her dream adventure with her daughter Pattie. She fought a courageous battle with cancer and did so with grace, dignity and acceptance. She once again demonstrated to her friends and family how to live life in a positive and meaningful way. The family will receive friends at Green Funeral Home located at 57 Main Street in Danbury on Friday, February 5, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place at Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.