JOAN M. (McALLISTER) McCARTHY

JOAN M. (MCALLISTER) MCCARTHY, a lifelong resident of Woburn, passed away peacefully on September 11th, 2026, at the age of 75. Beloved wife of Joseph “Joe” McCarthy, with whom she shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. 

Born and raised in Woburn, Joan was the cherished daughter of the late John and Helen McAllister. Woburn remained home throughout her life—a place where she raised her family, built lifelong friendships, worked for many years, and became a familiar and beloved presence to so many.

For 25 years, Joan worked for the City of Woburn Retirement Board, where she formed many friendships throughout her career before retiring in 2018. Her years of service were another meaningful part of the lifelong connection she shared with the city she was proud to call home.

Above all else, Joan’s life was centered around her family. She was a devoted wife and mother, but perhaps no title suited her more perfectly than “Nanny.” Being a grandmother was a role she treasured wholeheartedly. She was loving, caring, supportive, and always there, taking great pride in each of her grandchildren and the lives they were building. Whether they needed encouragement, a helping hand, something homemade, or simply Nanny in their corner, they could always count on her.

Joan had a wonderful creative side and especially enjoyed flower arranging and baking. Cakes, cookies, desserts, and special treats were often made with someone she loved in mind. For Joan, these were more than hobbies; they were another way of caring for people. She was a giver by nature, always willing to lend a hand, and saying “no” was never one of her strong suits—especially when it came to her family.

Some of Joan’s happiest memories were made simply being together. Over the years, family vacations became a treasured tradition, with time spent at cottages on Lake Ossipee and Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, as well as memorable trips to Disney, Hawaii, Canada, Foxwoods, and many other places. No matter the destination, what mattered most to Joan was having the people she loved around her.

She also appreciated the simple pleasures of everyday life—a good movie, reading the newspaper, baking something special, or just spending time with family. Joan was strong-willed, caring, loyal, and fiercely devoted to those she loved. Those closest to her knew that beneath her strength was an enormously generous heart. She was someone who could be counted on, someone who showed up, and someone who loved her family deeply.

Joan leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful memories, but her greatest legacy will always be the family she loved so dearly. She showed that love in countless ways—through caring, helping, baking, celebrating, encouraging, and simply being present. Her strength, generosity, familiar ways, and the countless little things that made Joan—and especially “Nanny”—so special will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Along with her beloved husband, Joe, Joan is survived and will be deeply missed by her children, Jeff McCarthy and his fiancée, Jessica Galante; Jay McCarthy and his wife, Beth; and Scott McCarthy and his wife, Laurie. Cherished “Nanny” of Connor and Shannon McCarthy, Kayleigh and Ryley McCarthy, Kamryn, Kendall, and Lyla Mello, and Rebecca and Rachel Donahue. Dear sister of Valerie (McAllister) Kappel and her late husband, Gary; Joyce (McAllister) Ryan and her husband, Larry; Terry (McAllister) Cochran and her husband, Dave; and David McAllister and his spouse, Kevin Kelley. Beloved niece of Frank Corbett. Joan is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Her Funeral Mass will take place Friday, September 18th, at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Church, Woburn. Calling hours will be held in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Thursday, September 17th, from 4–8 p.m. Remembrances may be made in Joan’s memory to the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn, 1 Charles Gardner Lane, Woburn, MA 01801.