Laura L. McCarthy (née McDonald) passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Laura spent her life caring for others. She worked as a daycare teacher and later as a baker’s assistant until her retirement. But, the roles that meant the most to her were those of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Laura was incredibly kind and generous, with an infectious laugh and a warmth that extended well beyond her family. Whether she had known you for years or had just met you, chances are you quickly became “hun,” “sweetheart,” or “babe.” She had a way of making people feel welcomed and cared for. And while Laura had an enormous heart, those who knew her best also knew that once she had her mind made up, there wasn’t much chance of changing it. She was wonderfully and unapologetically set in her ways.
Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world. Some of the family’s sweetest memories are also the simplest: Laura and her granddaughter Alexis hula-hooping together in her apartment to Elvis and Cher; taking long walks while pushing her grandson Nick in his stroller; and spending endless hours outside playing in the yard with Kaylee and DJ. Whenever Grandma was babysitting, one thing was certain—no grandchild was ever going home hungry. Making sure everyone was well fed was simply another way Laura showed her love.
Laura had a special appreciation for the simple beauty around her. In the spring and summer, she loved spending time in the yard admiring the flowers. And a drive with Laura rarely passed without her looking out the window at some point and saying, “Aren’t the trees so beautiful?” It was one of those little things she said so often that her family will forever hear her voice when they look at a beautiful row of trees.
She enjoyed suspense novels, crime shows, her beloved Real Housewives, and tending to the family dogs and cat. She loved deeply, gave generously, laughed often, and found her greatest happiness in caring for the people she loved.
Laura is survived by her daughters, Patricia (Zachary) Wisniewski and Karen Stiltner; her grandchildren, Alexis (Evan) Malovec, Nick Wisniewski, Kaylee Stiltner, and Damian “DJ” Stiltner; and her cherished great-grandson, Lincoln Malovec. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Bridget (James), as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Betty McDonald; her husband, Jerry McCarthy; and several siblings.
Laura will be deeply missed, especially in all those little places where her presence had simply become part of life. Her family will miss her kindness, her generosity, her stubborn streak, that infectious laugh, and hearing her call someone “hun,” “sweetheart,” or “babe.”
Most of all, they will miss her.
The love Laura gave so freely will live on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandson, and everyone fortunate enough to have been one of her “huns.”
And perhaps now, whenever the flowers begin to bloom or the trees are especially beautiful, those who loved Laura will find themselves stopping to notice them just a little more—because she always did.
To plant a tree in memory of Laura I McCarthy, please visit our Tribute Store.
