Obituary of Mary Patricia McCarthy

After a brief illness, our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed into the loving embrace of her Lord and her late husband Eugene on August 23, 2026.

Pat was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Eugene (Geno), and her beloved son Quinn.

Pat graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Kitchener in 1958 and went straight into nursing school after that. After graduating with a postgraduate scholarship for "A Specialized Field in Nursing" in 1959, Pat worked at St. Mary’s Hospital until 1961 when she married Eugene, and they moved to Guelph for Dad's work.

Pat put her nursing career on hold for motherhood in 1962 as she went on to start and care for her family of five children in seven years: Susan (Wayne), John (Jane), Greg (Gwendolyn), Quinn (deceased 2014), and Sara (Paul). 

While Pat's profession was nursing, her real vocation was as a pet whisperer. If you were to visit the McCarthy household as far back as 1961 and up until just a few years ago, you’d have possibly been greeted by a beagle, a basset hound, many poodles of all sizes, cats of every sort, birds, guinea pigs, turtles, and lizards. Growing up, it was difficult to find a spot on the couch, and you absolutely shared your bed with a dog or cat.

When the poodles ruled the roost, Mom even started her own dog grooming business, which flourished for many years. From that she made many friendships that lasted well past the date when she finally retired. 

Our mother also enjoyed time with her much-loved grandchildren (9) and great-grandchildren (4). She also has many nieces and nephews whom she loves dearly. She revelled in their accomplishments and was their biggest cheerleader. Mom also leaves behind her loving brother Frank (Fran) and her devoted sister Linda (Don) and her sister-in-law Cathy.

Pat also loved to travel and took many trips far and wide with and without Geno. Even in their twilight years they’d often talk of one more trip together. After Dad's death, we’d talk of trips or cruises we’d be taking, and she’d say she was ready to join in. Mom was up for anything!

Pat was a devout Catholic and a very proud member of the St. Agnes Catholic Church community for over 50 years. There she was a member of the CWL. Mom also volunteered for Hospice Waterloo Region and enjoyed group Bible studies. 

In the years after Dad passed, Mom lived at Lanark Village Seniors Living, where she was treated with the utmost care and respect. When she was ready to move to the next stage in her long life, she moved to PeopleCare AR Goudie Long-Term Care, where she was received and cared for professionally and with great compassion by all of the PSWs, nursing staff, and administrators.

Cremation has taken place. Pat’s family will receive visitors at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Funeral mass to be celebrated at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 75 Bluevale St. N, Waterloo, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10 a.m. Reception to be held back at the funeral home in the Fireside Reception Room.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo or The Food Bank of Waterloo Region may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.

"Today is the oldest you've ever been, yet the youngest you'll ever be, so enjoy this day while it lasts!" Sláinte!