Kathryn Ruth Herrick McCarthy: Obituary

My mother was a Presence in our family. She was a strong wind that, for the most part, blew at your back. Kathryn Ruth Herrick McCarthy died August 13, 2016 at the age of 99.

Kay was born in Salamanca, New York but grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania. She met Judd when his family moved in across the street from her. She was 13 years old and he was 15. They married 10 years later and would have celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary on August 27th of this year. Together, they have been great members of the “Great Generation”. They worked hard and kept their expectations low. They were grateful. They were committed to each other, to family, to friends and to neighbors. Their house was a family gathering place. Holidays there were filled with food, wine, silly games, but most of all, the pure pleasure of being together. Kay was at the heart of it. She always had her arms opened wide. You knew you were welcome. You knew you were loved. Sometimes, the family called Kay the “epicenter”. That, indeed, is what she was.

Kay is survived by her husband Judd, her daughter Lynn, two grandsons Tim and Andy, and six great-grandchildren. Her daughter Karen predeceased her.

There will be a memorial service at the The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 495 Herbert Hills Drive, Hayesville, NC at 1:30 PM, Saturday, August 20, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts/contributions be given to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church – Outreach Ministry, 495 Herbert Hills Drive, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com