Mary Ellen McCarthy

May 18, 1943 - June 16, 2019

Mary Ellen McCarthy 76 of Andover, MA. formally of Lawrence passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on June 16, 2019. Mary Ellen was born in Lawrence on May 18, 1943 daughter of the late Patrick and Margaret Horgan McCarthy, the eldest of three children. She was a graduate of St. Patrick High school in Lawrence and Lowell State College. Upon graduating, Mary dedicated herself to a career in teaching in the Lawrence Public School System. As a voracious reader, retirement allowed her to spend time in local libraries. She was especially fond of the North Andover library. She made friends there that led to a regular coffee group at Dunkin Donuts. The North Andover 99 was her special place for lunch. Rockingham Race Track was always a treat for Mary. There she was part of a wonderful group of retirees. They would each put in a dollar for a race and the winner would buy lunch. Many friendships were born there. She was so sad when it closed. Mary Ellen was a wonderful aunt. Her nephews were always enchanted to go into her room to discover what treats she had in store. They would come out with little flashlights, candies and other CVS items she thought would be interesting. After her day job, Aunt Mary was always there to assist with homework, discuss current events or just talk about the day. Mary is survived by her brothers Patrick McCarthy and wife Norah Fitzgibbons McCarthy, Eugene (Gene) McCarthy and wife Regina Nolan McCarthy, as well as nephews, Christopher McCarthy and wife Sharon, Matthew McCarthy and Timothy McCarthy. Mary also leaves a grand niece and nephew, Madelyn and Colin McCarthy who also loved to see what prizes Aunt Mary had to offer. Mary‘s family is grateful for the care and comfort provided by the staff of Sutton Hill Nursing Home and Compassus Hospice. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to call on Tuesday, June 18th, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, following the calling hours, in Saint Patrick's Church, 118 S. Broadway, Lawrence, MA. Burial will follow in the Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Lawrence, MA. For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mary‘s name to the Lazarus House Ministries, P.O. Box 408, Lawrence, MA 01842-0808.