Obituary of Jacqueline M. McCarthy

JACQUELINE M. MCCARTHY

ALBANY - Jacqueline M. McCarthy, 93 of Albany, NY, and formerly Niskayuna, NY, beloved wife of the late John L. McCarthy, entered into eternal life on May 17th , 2024 at Teresian House Center for the Elderly in Albany.

Born in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, she was the daughter of the late Rosario Vallee and Alice (Montpetit) Vallee. Jacqueline grew up in Canada and received a degree in Home Economics from The University of Montreal. She traveled the provinces teaching Home Economics until moving to the United States in 1958.

Jacqueline met the love of her life, John L. McCarthy, at a dance in Hampton Beach, NH while they were both on vacation. They were married in 1958 in Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. Jacqueline became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1964. That same year their two-year-old son, Robert, was tragically killed in an accident. Jacqueline and her husband lived on Ray Street in Niskayuna, NY for over 40 years. She taught French in the Niskayuna Central School District and later worked as a receptionist for Dr. Walter Krefetz for 19 years, remaining a lifelong friend of Walter and his wife Joann.

Jacqueline was a loving wife and mother who excelled in culinary arts, sewing, decorating, gardening and playing the piano. She liked to bake and entertain guests who were treated to her cakes, cookies and gingerbread houses during the holidays. In her later years, she enjoyed playing Scrabble and other word games, watching Wheel of Fortune and doing crossword puzzles.

Jacqueline loved to spend time with family and looked forward to her trips to Montreal for festive family gatherings. She also spent many summer vacations over the years in Maine, including Old Orchard Beach and Kennebunkport. Other memorable travels included Hilton Head Island, Prince Edward Island, Ireland and France.

She was a proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She also held her Canadian nieces and nephews close to her heart.

Jacqueline leaves her daughter, Anne Marie Roche (Andrew Gansberg) of Niskayuna, NY, her granddaughter, Erin Roche Chandler (Trey) of Raleigh, NC and her two great grandsons, Lawrence Chandler and Edward Chandler. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Gaston Dallaire (Isabelle), Michel Dallaire (Carole), Louise Dallaire, Francois Dallaire (Nicole), Ghislain Laporte (Louise), Diane Laporte and several grand nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband John L. McCarthy, her son Robert McCarthy, her son-in-law, Lawrence E. Roche, and her sisters Huguette Laporte and Rita Dallaire.

Jacqueline's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Teresian House for their compassion in caring for her at the end of her life. They would also like to acknowledge the friendly and caring staff at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker where she resided for several years.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jacqueline's family on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet Shaker Rd., Latham. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow the visitation in the main church of Our Lady of the Assumption beginning at 11:00 AM with Reverend Geoffrey Burke, celebrant. Interment to follow in the family plot of Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Extension, Albany, NY 12203 or Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.

To leave a condolence message for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.