Kay Corliss (Howe) McCarthy, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away in Palm Springs, California, on July 1 at the age of 82.
Kay was born June 20, 1943, in Hettinger, North Dakota, the youngest of eight children of Otto and Leona Howe.
Kay’s early years were spent growing up on her family’s farm, a life filled with hard work and a deep sense of family. After graduating from Hettinger High School, Kay attended Minot State University where she met her future husband, Don McCarthy. They married in 1965 and shortly after welcomed their first child, Tonya.
In 1969 Don and Kay came to Sitka to teach school for one year. After settling in and making many new friends, they knew, as hard as it was to leave family behind in North Dakota, Sitka would be their home. They continued to visit North Dakota every Christmas and summer for many years, enjoying precious time with the family they had left behind. In 1981 Don and Kay welcomed their second child, Sean.
Kay taught fifth grade in Sitka for 28 years. Mrs. McCarthy taught in the Etolin Street School and eventually moved to Verstovia Elementary. Many former students have fond memories of not only the hockey season at Etolin Gym, but more so of her as a teacher who was such a caring person in their lives.
In addition to the friends she made teaching, Kay also enjoyed her time playing bridge, where she had many dear friends.
To her three grandchildren Kay was known as Meem. She enjoyed having them grow up close to her, leaving behind so many family memories for all. She was always up for an adventure on the boat, whether it be a day of fishing, a beach trip, or an extended adventure to catch shrimp. Wearing a bright blue poncho, she was always right in the mix of processing and supervising the crew.
Her retirement years were spent with family and friends. She was fortunate to reunite with many of her siblings in the Palm Springs area for the winter months, where she and Don also met many new cherished friends. When spring came, she looked forward to returning home and being able to look out at the ocean from her home here.
Kay is survived by Don, her husband of 60 years; daughter Tonya and Mike Venneberg of Sitka; and her son Sean McCarthy and Carla Whiteside of Sitka.
She also is survived by her grandchildren, Ross Venneberg, Cole and Olivia Venneberg, Ali Venneberg and Mike Bishir; and great-granddaughter Margot Venneberg.
A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 14, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. A reception will follow downstairs, and all are welcome to bring a dish to share.
