Ann T. McCarthy

Ann T. McCarthy (Kennedy), 79, of Perrysburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, surrounded by her husband and children.

Born and raised in Horseheads, New York, Ann was the oldest of eleven children in a warm, traditional Catholic home. From a young age, she embraced responsibility, helping to care for her brothers and sisters and supporting the household with her characteristically quiet poise and strength. Ann had an especially close relationship with her grandmother, Alice Hughes, known affectionally as "Busha", whom she would often visit alone after school as an escape from the hectic life at home. She attended Notre Dame High School in Elmira, New York, where she first met her future husband John McCarthy. The two reconnected during their college years in Potsdam, New York, began dating, and married shortly after earning their degrees in 1968. Ann would always remember her college years as among the best years of her life.

With strong encouragement from her father, Ann became the first in her family to attend college, graduating from SUNY Potsdam with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Social Studies. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Education from Buffalo State College. Ann began her career teaching language arts in New York and New Jersey before moving to Perrysburg, Ohio, in 1978 with John and their two sons, Michael and Jason.

In Ohio, Ann continued her life's work in education as a Title I Reading Specialist for Toledo Public Schools, serving students at Old West End Junior High School and East Toledo Junior High School. Her colleagues remembered her as an educator of exceptional insight, compassion, and dedication-someone who cared deeply for her students and whose work left a lasting mark on the many young lives she touched.

Ann retired in the late 1980s and embraced a life rich with the pursuits she loved. She took tremendous pride in creating a welcoming home, guided by her eye for décor and design. She often traveled to antique stores and estate sales in search of unique treasures. She enjoyed golfing with friends, cooking for her family, and doting on her beloved black cat, "Kitty." She continued to help children improve their reading skills by occasionally tutoring the children of friends. Above all, Ann treasured her role as a grandmother. She adored her sons and grandchildren-with another grandchild on the way-and remained selflessly devoted to her family throughout her life. Her bond with her many siblings remained strong, shaping her gentle spirit, warm generosity, and unwavering loyalty.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Ann was always on a journey of spiritual growth. She loved to attend Bible study groups where she could connect with friends to discuss scripture and it's meaning in their own lives. She could often be found in deep reflection in the evening with her Bible, writing her thoughts in her always-exemplary handwriting. She found comfort and inspiration in the life and writings of her namesake St. Thérèse, whom she felt a special spiritual closeness to. Her faith guided her decisions, grounded her spirit, and enriched the lives of those around her.

Ann will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Those who came to know her well can attest to her very witty sense of humor throughout her years. Within her family, she was a true diplomat-graceful, wise, and calming-someone who brought people together and offered unwavering love and support through both difficult and joyful times.

Ann was preceded in death by her sisters Kathy Schnell and Delores Kennedy. She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, John McCarthy; her sons Michael McCarthy (Blessy McWan) and Jason McCarthy (Christina Torda); and her cherished grandchildren Colin McCarthy and Delaney McCarthy. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Alice Nicholson, Karen Smith, Beverly Kennedy, Bernadette Kennedy, Joan Kennedy, and Elizabeth Kennedy, and her brothers Paul Kennedy and Bob Kennedy, as well as her many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Rose Catholic Church 215 E. Front St., Perrysburg, Ohio on Saturday, March 21st at 10:30 a.m. Following the Mass, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Lotus Loft, 120 Tenth St., Toledo, Ohio. Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.