In Memory of Christine F. "Midge" McCarthy

Obituary

On June 30th, Christine F. "Midge" McCarthy passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Midge was born on August 15, 1941, in Utica, New York, the daughter of the late James P. and Geraldine Foley. She graduated from UFA and received her bachelor’s degree from Utica College. Midge taught second grade at the Utica City School District prior to raising her family.

On November 29th, 1968, she married Jeremiah O. McCarthy at The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Utica, New York, sharing a loving union for 44 years. Their endless devotion and love for one another was an inspiration to many.

Midge cherished her time on Dover Road, where her warm heart and great smile gathered loved ones from near and far. She was a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews and a central figure to countless friends.

Midge enjoyed volunteering her time to several organizations in the community including the Faxton Foundation, The Children’s Museum and selling daffodils for the American Cancer Society.

Her life and greatest joy revolved around her family, especially her grandchildren. Her quiet yet strong faith guided her through life, and she could often be found attending Mass at St. John's and The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Summers in Old Forge were among her most cherished memories. Sitting on the patio with her husband, enjoying a Utica Club, watching the sunset, and listening to the loons was where her heart truly belonged. Camp was the backdrop for countless family gatherings, boat rides in her Chris-Craft, awaiting the mailboat, and waving from the dock with her grandchildren.

Midge also enjoyed her many summers on the St. Lawrence River with family and friends on Calumet Island.

In her youth, she loved water skiing from the pond to 4th Lake, working at Northwoods, enjoying her favorite fish fries at the Uptown Grill, and downhill skiing in the winter at McCauley Mountain.

Midge will be remembered for her many Dover Road gatherings, especially the cherished Thanksgiving dinners, which she hosted with joy and love for a large crowd each year. Her home was a haven for childhood friends, who fondly remember Friday pizza nights and half-moon cookies.

Her friendships were sources of great joy and companionship throughout her life, as were the connections she made at Preswick Glen.

Midge’s legacy of love, warmth, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Midge was predeceased by her parents, James and Geraldine Foley; her husband, Jeremiah O. McCarthy; her sisters, Kathleen Foley, and Suzanne Hewitt; and her brother, Michael Foley.

Midge is survived by her children, Mary Malone McCarthy and her husband, Michael Wade of Albany, James P. McCarthy and his wife, Ursula Zaba McCarthy of Fayetteville, NY, Maureen McCarthy and her husband, John Tracy of Camillus, NY; her grandchildren, Jeremiah (JP), Michael, and Elizabeth Wade; Madaline and Zoe McCarthy, Molly Malone, and Annie Tracy; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless friends.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 9, at 11:00 AM at the Church of St. Leo and St. Ann, 7939 Elm St., Holland Patent. Interment will be in Holland Patent Cemetery. Calling hours are on Monday, July 8, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jeremiah O. and Christine F. McCarthy Family Foundation at The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, 2608 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13502 or online at http://www.foundationhoc.org/mccarthy

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.