Linda Anne Carney

With quiet grace and unwavering love, Linda Anne (Witchley) Carney passed away on June 3, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. A mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, nurse, and nurturer in every sense, Linda lived a life defined by compassion, resilience, and deep devotion to those she loved. Born on June 6, 1958, to James and Shirley Witchley, Linda grew up in central New York, where she graduated from VVS High School in 1976. Drawn to care for others, she went on to attend St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing in Utica, where she earned her nursing degree and found her professional calling; serving mothers and babies in the labor & delivery and pediatric units of Oneida, St. Elizabeth's, and St. Luke's Hospitals. For over 40 years, her touch brought comfort during life's most tender and powerful moments, and her gentle strength left lasting imprints on countless families. On October 20, 1979, Linda married the love of her life, Michael Edward Carney, at Holy Cross Church in New London, New York. Together they built a life rooted in love, patience, and unwavering commitment, weathering storms and celebrating joys with grace and humility. Michael passed away in March of 2023, just two years before Linda, and the bond they shared endures in the family they raised together. Linda's heart lived in her children and grandchildren, each one a cherished part of her soul. She is survived by her son, Shaun Carney and his wife, Kristin, along with grandchildren, Ava and James; her son, Brian Carney and his wife, Becky, and grandchildren, Caleb and Quinn; and her daughter, Erin Laraway and her husband, Nick, with granddaughter, Mackenzie. To them, she was a source of steadiness, comfort, and unconditional love, a mother and grandmother whose presence made the world feel safe and full. She is also survived by her loving sisters, Betty Millson (husband, Bob), Susan Wilkinson, Mary Parker, Judy Witchley (fiancé, Mark Zieman), and Nancy Witchley, as well as several adored nieces, nephews and honorary sister, Nancy Schimmel who will remember her laughter, her warmth, and the way she made every gathering feel like home. Linda was known for her humility, her boundless empathy, and the way she gave so much of herself without ever asking for anything in return. Whether through her work in the hospital or her presence around the kitchen table, she brought care into the world in quiet, powerful ways. Even in modest circumstances, she lived richly, full of purpose and love. To her children, Linda was more than a mother, she was the keeper of dreams, the mender of broken hearts, the voice that sang them through storms. Through every scraped knee, every triumph, every quiet moment of doubt, she was there; steady, gentle, and endlessly giving. Though she is no longer with us in body, Linda's legacy lives on in the hands she held, the lives she helped bring into the world, and the hearts of those who were lucky enough to be loved by her. She will be missed more than words can hold, and remembered forever. A private ceremony will be held for family and close friends to celebrate Linda's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that you honor Linda's memory by doing something kind for someone else, offer a helping hand, a warm word, or a quiet act of compassion. That's how she lived, and that's how she would want to be remembered. Arrangements are under the direction of McGrath, Myslinski, Kowalczyk & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica. Messages of sympathy at www.mmknfd.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Linda, please visit our Tree Store.