In loving memory of

Margaret McCarthy
March 10, 1942 - May 26, 2019

Margaret Ellen Walker McCarthy, 77, a devoted wife, sister, aunt and dear friend to all, passed away on May 26.

Margaret had a great zest for life and did not let the pancreatic cancer diagnosis slow her down. She fought a courageous battle with great support from her family and so many friends each and every day.

Born in a farm house North of Iron Hill, she was the youngest child of Eulaine (Flagel) and David Walker. Her siblings are Joyce Berggren of Maquoketa; Mary Rote of Dickeyville, WI and Dick (Denise) Walker of Bettendorf, IA.

Margaret attended Maquoketa High School and was Homecoming Queen 1959. She began working at Jackson State Bank in 1963. She was always the friendliest person in the bank greeting everyone by name. A loyal employee, Margaret worked for "the bank" through its many name changes for 42 years, retiring in 2005.

She married the love of her life, Joe McCarthy, 53 years ago, on Aug. 28, 1965. As an avid hunter and fisher herself, Margaret and Joe, together with their close friends, enjoyed many outdoor adventures. She also found time for her vegetable and flower gardens and was a member of the Maquoketa Garden Club.

Generous with her time and support of Maquoketa, Margaret also served on the Jackson County Fair Board and Executive Board of the Maquoketa Country Club for several years. She volunteered at the Hurstville Interpretive Center and she thoroughly enjoyed the "Y" and all her friends and the activities they shared in while there. Margaret was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish serving in many volunteer roles there, and as the volunteer school librarian for several years after she retired from the bank.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law, Florence and Gerald McCarthy, and her brother-in-law, Tommy Berggren.

Margaret is survived by her loving husband Joe McCarthy and her cherished siblings.

Margaret, aka Spook, was the favorite Aunt of her MANY nieces and nephews, to include great, great--nieces and nephews! She was fun-loving, humorous, and compassionate. She loved hosting and entertaining family and friends. The best stories were shared at Margaret and Joe's home. Her countless number of friends with whom she enjoyed hunting, fishing, card playing, tap dancing, bicycling and so much more will remember her spirit and carry it with them for years to come.

Visitation is planned for Thursday, May 30, from 3 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, and again after 12:30 P.M. on Friday at the church. The Funeral Mass will be Friday, May 31 at 1:30 P.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

We would like to thank Dr. Daniel Berg, Diane Van Ersvelde, PA, Sharon Baumler and the healthcare team who assisted Margaret at the University of Iowa Hospitals, as well as the staff at Family Clinic in Maquoketa. Additionally, heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the nurturing staff of Jackson County Hospice for their excellent care and support for Margaret in her last days.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Margaret E. McCarthy memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

Lorna Dewell wrote on Jun 3, 2019:

"My Deepest Sympathy Joe and Family, Margaret was always very Kind, thinking of you in Prayer, Lorna Dewell "

Gary Grote wrote on Jun 3, 2019:

"Joe , so sorry about your loss. Margaret was a great employee for me at Hawkeye/Mercantile Bank. Gary Grote"

Gary Grote wrote on Jun 3, 2019:

"Joe , so sorry about your loss. Margaret was a great employee for me at Hawkeye/Mercantile Bank. Gary Grote"

Dianna Block wrote on May 31, 2019:

"Joe and family you have our deepest sympathy. Margaret was a very kind co worker and always spoke no matter where we would see her. You two were a treasure to know. God be with her and also you at this time of loss."

ralph saunders wrote on May 30, 2019:

"Joe you have my condolences ,,,, Margaret was always very helpful to our family at the bank"

John Stein wrote on May 30, 2019:

"Joe and family, I'm very sorry for the loss of Margaret. Please accept my sympathy in your time of grief. May God bless her soul."

Dr. Paul and Valerie Horst wrote on May 29, 2019:

"Joe and family, What can be said about such a special lady? A life well lived says it all. I remember many a visit with her at my office and her tales about fishing, and there were many!. Never was the time when I entered the bank that she didn't go out of her way to come over and say "Hi". She lived and shared her faith well. Enjoy your reward, my friend! Valerie and I send our thoughts to everyone during the days ahead. "

Sherri James wrote on May 29, 2019:

"She made everyone feel like they were her best friend. Heaven really got a great one. I actually looked forward to my car breaking down and walking to Joe and Margaret's to wait for Aaron to pick me up. It led to a couple hours of great conversation every time. Prayers for Joe and Family Aaron and Sherri "

Lynne Qualls wrote on May 29, 2019:

"Barb, I loved the wonderful pictures of your aunt and never thought she might be so seriously ill again; I'm sorry. You were a devoted niece who shared wonderful times and memories with her...am pretty sure you guys laughed a lot! Sounds like she lived a full, helpful, zealous life...an example for all to follow. May God give you peace, joy and wisdom. Love you, Lynne"

Penny Collins wrote on May 29, 2019:

"Margaret was full of zest and enjoyed life to the fullest. She was a grand lady. I will never forget the laughs and great times we had together. Prayers to Joe and the family. Penny Collins"

Darrel Sharon Rettig wrote on May 28, 2019:

"Joe, you have our deepest sympathy. Darrel and Sharon Rettig"

Diane Nie wrote on May 28, 2019:

"Margaret was an amazing woman and an inspiration to many! She fought a valiant fight over the years. Our prayers to Joe and family. "

Brenda Walker wrote on May 28, 2019:

"Joe and family, so sorry to hear of Margaret?s passing. I will keep you all in my prayers. ??? "

Marji Brady Franzen wrote on May 28, 2019:

"Joe, I'm so sorry for your loss. She was always so kind to me and my family. She will be missed. Marji Brady Franzen"

Nancy Wagoner wrote on May 28, 2019:

"Margaret was a very special lady who touched many lives with her kindness, hospitality, willingness to serve others, and friendship. Our thoughts and prayers to Joe and family. She will be missed."

Linda Holmgren wrote on May 28, 2019:

"Joe and family-So sad to read of Margaret's passing! May she rest in peace and may time heal your hearts!"

Patsy Krantz wrote on May 28, 2019:

"My sympathies to Joe and family for their loss. Cherish the Love shared and the Memories made, for these keep our loved ones with us forever. RIP Margaret."

Elizabeth Lind wrote on May 28, 2019:

"Margaret was the sweetest. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends. RIP"

LuAnne and Tom Yearwood wrote on May 28, 2019:

"Sadden to hear of Margaret's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with Joe and the rest of the family."

CHERYL HARTWIG wrote on May 28, 2019:

"IM SO VERY SORRY FOR UR LOSS OF SUCH A WONDERFUL SWEET LADY"

Karin wrote on May 27, 2019:

"So very sorry to hear this. Margaret was such a sweetheart. Sympathy to all the family & friends. RIP Sweet Lady!"