Julia McCarthy Obituary

Mrs. McCarthy was a very important and influential part of my life. She was so much more than my first grade teacher; she was my first mentor. She went out of her way inside and outside of class to teach me. During the time Mrs. McCarthy was my teacher, my parents were going through divorce, which for most children is a very upsetting and confusing time, but in the early 1980's in a Catholic school, was also not a common occurance, making one feel very alone. In school, she helped me get through this time by showing me how to write. My stories were not like those of other first graders; they were fantastical and elaborate, and Mrs. McCarthy took extra time with me to show me how to communicate my ideas effectively and clearly, which gave me a constructive escape from my present reality. I knew that she genuinely loved my stories and cared for me, too. Through her love and dedication, she taught me to harness my creativity, master my talents and take pride in my work, something I am eternally grateful for. In addition to school, she also spent time with me outside of school, taking me, sometimes along with her grandchildren, out to museums, her home, or just out to eat and talk. These acts of love taught me that no matter what, I was important and cared for and that someone noticed me...a lesson not easily come by when a child feels they are disappearing into the chaos of the adult world. Mrs. McCarthy will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Thanks for all of the memories of our families spending time together at the Indiana sand dunes. I'll always hold those close to my heart; as a matter of a fact I'll be bringing my own children there this summer. I'm glad you were a good friend of my mother's. Love, Mary