Obituary of Barbara McCarty

Barbara R. McCarty, age 78 of Erie, passed away at 12:58am on Monday, September 16, 2013 at the Toledo Hospital. She had been in declining health for several months. Barbara was born January 23, 1935 in Erie to Leo C. and Grace (Sabo) Gonyea. She married Nicholas E. McCarty on August 29, 1953 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie. From this union would come the birth of five children. Barbara was employed many years ago at Toledo Scales and Phares Electronics but became a homemaker. Nicholas passed away on January 25, 1996. Barbara was a life member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Erie where she was baptized and confirmed. She attended St. Joseph Grade School and was a 1953 graduate of St. Mary Academy in Monroe. Barbara was a member of the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary and had served as a past president from 1985 to 1995. In her free time she enjoyed gardening, crocheting, painting, reading and vacationing Up North. To cherish her memory she leaves two sons: Martin (Sandra) McCarty of Erie and Brian (Darla) McCarty of Toledo; two daughters: Kathleen (Darrell) Cluesman of Indiana and Brenda (Russell) Dutridge of Toledo; six grandchildren: Michelle (Jon) Hollingsworth, Theresa (Darrin) Burdett, Marie, Sarah and Phillip Dutridge, Christian McCarty and Cassidy Dyas; and three great grandchildren: James Hollingsworth, Madyson Jeski and Bailee Burdett. Her passing was preceded by her parents; a son: Paul N. McCarty in 1985, a brother: James Gonyea in 2009. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit Street in Erie (734) 848-5185 where a rosary service led by the Ladies Auxiallary will be recited at 6:30pm. She will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Friday, September 20, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2238 Manhattan Street followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Father David Cybulski pastor of the church will officiate. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery Erie for burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to St. Joseph School. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.