Mae McCarthy

Mae McCarthy passed away quietly on November 10, 2024. She was 98 years old.

A proud San Franciscan, Mae was born in “the City” on May 18, 1926. She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Margaret McCarthy, as well as her brother, Daniel. Mae’s survivors are her nephew, Daniel McCarthy Jr.; her niece, Toni Post and husband Rick; her great-nephew, Taylor Post and wife Cassidy; her great-great-niece, Ellie Grace; and great-great-nephew, William Kaladin.

Mae had four great passions in her life – her faith: Roman Catholic; her profession: public education; her politics: Democrat; and her world-wide travels including: South America, Europe (particularly Ireland), Southeast Asia, Japan, China and her beloved New York City.

A graduate of Immaculate Conception Academy in San Francisco, Mae earned her B.A., Teaching Credential and M.A. from San Francisco State University. For the remainder of her professional life she continued to be involved in Advanced Graduate Studies at Stanford University, Columbia University Teachers College, and Holy Names University, Oakland.

Mae began her career as a primary teacher in Pacifica, CA. She was later appointed to the position of Curriculum Development Consultant at Laguna Salada Union School District and then employed by Santa Clara County Office of Education as a reading consultant. She capped off her professional career as an educational consultant with the California State Department of Education.

After 41 ½ years of dedicated service, Mae retired. She balanced her “golden years” by dividing her time between part-time work and volunteering. She taught reading to adults, assisted in the primary grades at her parish school, worked with Los Ninos Service League and became a member of a phone tree to support the Sacramento Democratic Party. Illness forced Mae to discontinue her activities. She resided at Mercy McMahon Terrace until her death.

Mae wished to thank her beloved and attentive nephew Daniel for enriching her life in countless ways over the years. She also wanted to thank Corinne Kopatz and Jennifer Kopatz-Olson for their enduring kindness and love. And to that “small band of friends” who were so generous with their time, support and advice. She is forever grateful.

Friends are invited to a visitation at W. F. Gormley & Sons Chapel, 2015 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento Tuesday & Wednesday, November 19 & 20 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Noon at Sacred Heart Church, 1040 39th Street, Sacramento.

Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, Friday, November 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

Friends and family who wish to make a donation in Mae’s memory please consider: Mercy Foundation, c/o Mercy McMahon Terrace, 3865 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816, or Loaves & Fishes or Planned Parenthood.