Paula McCarthy

Paula J. McCarthy, age 54, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 24, 2009,at her home near Brainerd, MN. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 10:30 am at St. Cecelias Catholic Church in Algona, IA with inurnment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Friends are invited to gather beginning at 9:30 am.
Paula Jean McCarthy was born on June 24, 1955 in Algona, IA, the 14th child of Donald C. and Marion (Haan) McCarthy. She graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona in 1973. She attended North Iowa Community College, Iowa State University, College of St. Catherine, Minneapolis Community College and completed her Bachelors Degree in Gerontology at Metro State University in St. Paul, MN in 1991. Because of her love for the elderly and less fortunate, she worked as a nursing assistant at various nursing homes when she was able. She valiantly battled mental illness her entire adult life.

Paula is survived by four sisters: Sister Jeanette McCarthy, Dubuque, IA, Cathy Heinen, Indianapolis, IN, Eileen Hovelsen, Huntington Beach, CA, and Denise (Gary) Young, Buhl, ID; seven brothers: Father John McCarthy, Ford, WA; Bill (Janna) McCarthy, Englewood, CO; Luke (Lynn) McCarthy, San Marino, CA; Jerry McCarthy, Marshalltown, IA; Dave (Judy) McCarthy, Rapid City, SD; Father Patrick McCarthy, Hartford, CT; Al (Deb) McCarthy, Parker, CO; 3 sisters-in-law: Joy McCarthy, Dubuque, IA; Deb McCarthy, Englewood, CO; and Leslie McCarthy, Littleton, CO, 25 nieces and nephews; 21 great-nieces and nephews and an array of cousins, friends and caretakers.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 4 brothers: Leo (2006), Eugene (1995), Phillip (2004), and Timothy (2006).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to St. Cecelias Parish, 715 E. North St. Algona, IA 50511

An on-line obituary and guestbook may be found at www.brenny.com.