Phyllis J. (Johnson) McCarthy

 Phyllis J. (Johnson) McCarthy, a longtime resident of Needham, passed away at her home on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.  She was 86 years old. Born and raised in Quincy, she was the daughter of Theodore W. and Isabel (Walker) Johnson. Her father was a Lt. Detective for the Massachusetts State Police and was a champion. Her high school yearbook stated she had “beauty and brains, a rare combination”. She graduated 5th in her Class of 444 from Quincy High School and earned scholarships to Boston University, where she received her degree.

Phyllis fell in love with Henry McCarthy Sr. and they married in 1955. Their marriage was filled with love, devotion and respect. It was a partnership of equals in so many ways. Upon her husband’s ending his term as President of the Hillside School PTC, it was said of him and her, “behind every successful man is a woman; but beside Henry was Phyllis”. Phyllis also was beside Henry in helping him carry out his job as Chairman and trustee at F.C.A., a part of John Hancock Insurance. She enjoyed working side by side with him in both planning events and social activities for employees of John Hancock for many years.

Phyllis worked outside the home for many years. Her memories of working for Finard and Co. remained vivid and special. She remembered Mr. Finard as always treating her with respect, kindness and generosity. She was a trusted and reliable employee. Although she held a number of other jobs, she also remembered her employment at the Needham Public Health Department as being special. She had her job but also came to know everyone else’s jog. She could always fill in when necessary. She felt good about being able to help others, providing them with what they needed.

Shortly after he retired, Henry Sr. suffered an unexpected, untimely death in 1992. Phyllis continued to work and remained devoted to her sons’ welfare. Her brother in law, Jerry McCarthy and sister in law, Jean McCarthy, provided her with much support during this difficult time as did her longtime circle of friends and her sons.

Phyllis was a bright, well informed woman who was raised in a way that instilled the important values of treating others with dignity and respect and having a sense of right and wrong, tempered by justice and kindness.

Beloved wife for 38 years of the late Henry McCarthy Sr, she was the loving mother of Henry Jr. and Ted McCarthy. Sister in law of Jean McCarthy and the late Jerry McCarthy, she is also survived by her extended family members including Barbara Johnson and June and Eddie Gilbert. Visiting hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave, Needham, on Tuesday, January 22nd from 4-7 pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. A Funeral Service will be held in the Carter Memorial United Methodist Church, 800 Highland Ace, Needham, on Wednesday January 23rd at 11 am. Interment will follow at Needham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’ name may be made to the Carter Memorial Church, 800 Highland Ave, Needham MA.  02494.

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