Marion Ellen McCarty
October 8, 1925 - June 20, 2005
Obituary
Marion Ellen Hermeling McCarty
Our beloved sister, mom, grandma and friend passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, at her home on June 20, 2005, at 79 years of age. She was born on October 8, 1925, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to parents Raymond and Pauline Hermeling. Marion graduated from St. Catherine College in 1947 and began her career as a social worker for Hennepin County in Minneapolis.
She married Jeremiah Jack McCarty in 1948. They raised their family in Southern California, where Marion worked for Los Angeles County Dept. of Social Services as a Child Welfare social worker. In 1972, they moved to Washington. Following the bone marrow transplant of her son, Steve, she joined the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in 1975 as the Director of the Social Work Department. She enjoyed a 15 year career there, dearly loved by the families she served. At her retirement, she was presented with a very special memory book of letters from hundreds of former patients and families, and the most wonderful ”living” tribute: establishment of the ”Marion McCarty Family Assistance Fund” at the Hutchinson Center with the donation of many thousands of dollars to help patients’ families with living expenses.
Marion enjoyed painting, gardening, visiting with friends, and watching her beloved Seattle Mariners. Most of all, she loved being with family, and taught us the importance of family, a lesson that will live on with all of us.
Marion is survived by her sister, Doris Kertesz of Des Moines, children Mary Steve Adams of Kent, Mike Karol McCarty of Covington, Kathy John Parker of Naperville, IL, Donna Rick Rablin of Renton and her daughter-in-law, Debbie McCarty of Kent; grandchildren, Patty, Leslie Brad, Jenny Doni, Genevieve, Jessica, Courtney, Katie, Sean, Stephanie, Tyler, John, Amanda, Bethany and Chelsea; great grandchildren, Hayden, Maddie and Gillian; and numerous friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents in 1985; her husband, Jack McCarty, in 1993; and her son, Steve McCarty, in 2003.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Wednesday, June 29, at St. Philomena’s Catholic Church 1790 S. 222nd, Des Moines with a reception afterwards at the church. Interment will be at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery in Federal Way immediately following the reception.
Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, at Bonney-Watson, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 98188.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marion McCarty Family Assistance Fund at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Contributions J5-200, P.O. Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109, or http://www.fhcrc.org/donating/options/funds/mccarty.html.
We were all honored and privileged to have had this extraordinary, wonderful and cherished woman in our lives. Please share your memories of Marion with her family at www.bonneywatson.com
I can’t even imagine the thousands of us who must feel a tremendous sense of loss upon learning of dear Marion’s passing. She was my rock and my model as she guided me through the harrowing days and months of my son’s bone marrow transplant in 1984. All these years I have felt her loving presence and caring spirit. There will not be a moment during the time left to me that Marion will not be in my grateful heart and most loving memories. My sincerest thoughts and love go to all of you whom she held so dear and close to her heart.
In the summer of 1984, at the age of 24, I arrived at FHCRC with an expected life span of less than a year. The first person I met was Marion McCarty. I was there to “investigate” this crazy bone marrow transplant idea. What was really going on up there is Seattle? Quickly my fears were replaced by hope and the conviction that I had made the right decision to have a transplant. I had found the people who would save my life and the first in line was Marion. She shared her and Steve’s personal experiences with the transplant process in such a way I still vividly remember our conversations.It was Marion and Steve who first gave me the courage and determination I needed. Throughout the years via post cards and Christmas letters and e-mail we kept in touch. The best were the few, too brief yet enjoyable face to face visits when I was in Seattle on business or pleasure. Now 20+ years post transplant it is clearer than ever Marion was the foundation of my survival.Everything else was built upon what she provided to me and my family. I shall remember her with admiration, a smile and a tear in my eye until it is my day to say good bye. Thank you, Marion and thank you to her family for sharing her with us.
Brant Keeney
BMT/CML October 11, 1984
How we thank God for the witness that we can see in Marion’s life, as she served many, and also kept her family #1 in priority. Praise God.
Lovingly,
the Riddle family
friends of Kathy & John Parker
Marion MaCarty a kind, caring and fun loving person. We remember when our son Jacob came to Seattle for a bone marrow transplant,she met us at the airport, took us to our apartment and was always there to help and encourage us during those most difficult days. We will always remember Marion with great fondness and grateitude. She will now reap her just reward.
With Love, John & Peggy Parker
My condolences to the McCarty family,especially Kathy and John.
I began working for the Sisters of Providence in June of 1983. Your father’s office was directly across from mine to the day he retired. Many jokes, many laughs and many stories were shared. He was a very wise and bright man. I met your mother at Providence social gatherings and I was also warmed by her Christmas cards with pictures of her “grandchildren” and stories of what took place during the year. Those cards continued, faithfully through the years. Once in a while we would chat on the phone. She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend. You were blessed to have them as your parents and they were truly blessed to have such loving children and grandchildren. May your tears turn to smiles as you remember days gone by and dwell on wonderful family memories.
To one of the greatest cousins a person could know. Fond memories of 6th street in Minneapolis. She will truly be missed.
I worked for Marion’s husband, Jack, for many years at Providence Health System. I met Marion at many different company functions. Though I didn’t know her well, I thought she was a lovely person – outgoing, warm, friendly, and kind. Marion and her family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Sharon Hatcher
Marion was a blessing to our family as we went through a bone marrow transplant for our daughter, Elizabeth, in October of 1975. She was not only helpful, but she had “been there, done that” as the parent of a patient,herself. Her assistance, and above all her calm and wonderful smile kept us going. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McCarty Family. –Fond regards, Jim & Sue Flexer
Our deepest sympathy to Dori, to Mary, Mike, Kathy, Donna, SteveDebbie and your families.
It doesn’t seem so long ago that I visited the Hermelings in Minnesota, think I was 2-12 years old. A couple of those visits included the weddings of Marion and Doris, what beautiful memories I had. We all went about our lives, our Dads keeping in touch with interesting but not short letters over the years. I think it was 1992 when my Uncle told me Marion and Doris were coming to Quincy to research family history, would I want to come down? I wouldn’t have missed it! I enjoyed it so much, was like having the family I had known together again, as were ensuing visits including with my “little people” in Iowa City. I will never forget.
Marion was a very special lady.
Love to all,
Alan and Marie
Our prayers are for the family of this amazing lady..whom we have heard so much about from her dear sister Dori …We pray for strength to help you through this trying time…..
To my good friend, Dori Kertesz and family: We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Marion. May God comfort each of you and bring you joy in knowing that she lived a full and wonderful life. We are praying for all of you. God bless you, Samuel and Sherrill Holt-Coleman
Please accept our sincerest and deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom, grandma and sister. Marion was such a wonderful part of our heart and soul. Don’t know how we would have ever gotten through Dave’s transplant without her support, kindness and caring. And to top it off, she became a wonderful friend and “grandma” to Jeff and Greg. We will truly miss her…. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and always. Love, Pam and Dave Hamilton