Mrs. Gail Mary (Langley) McCarthy

UTICA - Just shy of her 101st birthday, Gail Mary (Langley) McCarthy passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at the Siegenthaler Center with her daughter and son-in-law by her side, after an extended illness. Gail was born on May 5, 1916 in the town of Florida, NY to the late James and Genevieve (McDonald) Langley. She was raised in Harrowers and attended St. Mary’s School in Amsterdam, NY. She furthered her education at the College of St. Rose in Albany and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics in 1936. Upon graduation, she began working in education as a Certified New York State educator. While living in Albany, she met Daniel D. McCarthy, Jr. and on August 24, 1940 they were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Church in Amsterdam, NY. They resided in Albany where their three children were born. In 1950, they were transferred to Utica and lived here until 1966. They shared a union of 42 years prior to Dan’s passing on June 23, 1983. While in Utica, Gail taught world history and advanced math at Utica Catholic Academy on John Street and then at Utica Free Academy until the family moved to Rochester. While residing in Rochester, she continued her teaching career at East High School teaching honors advanced mathematics until her retirement in 1980. She and Dan then returned to Utica. Gail was a devoted Catholic who attended daily Mass until two years ago. She always had a Rosary and prayer book in her hands, day or night. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, the Catholic Women’s Club, Guild of St. Elizabeth Hospital, College of St. Rose Alumni, Legion of Mary, Christ Child Society, After Eight Group at Lourdes, Heart Pillow Ladies at St. Elizabeth, and the Nocturnal Adoration Society. She was named Volunteer of the Year at St. Elizabeth Hospital. In addition to her volunteer work, Gail loved to teach her grandchildren how to embroider, was an excellent but demanding math tutor, a seamstress like no other, devoured her Reader’s Digest, adored butterflies, roses, African violets; had the most amazing collection of sparkly jewels and purses for every occasion; and, come rain, sleet, or snow, was disciplined in her daily walks well into her last decade. Her flowers, especially her rose hedge on Oneida Street, was her pride and joy. She spent hours on her hands and knees tending to them for years. Gail was fiercely independent and was very proud to be living in her own home until this December. Gail is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Ronald Cuccaro; her son and daughter-in-law, Kyran P. and Francine McCarthy; Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Daniel Donald McCarthy III, who passed away in 2002. She also leaves her daughter-in-law, Diane McCarthy; her grandchildren, Stephanie Cuccaro Alamin and her husband Raud Alamin, Elizabeth Cuccaro and her husband Steven Meyer; Kelly McCarthy and Steven Planamenta, Kyran Peter and Mary McCarthy; Siobhan McCarthy and Javier Pina, and Meghan McCarthy and Chris McKim; her great-grandchildren, Isabel, Sebastian and Soren Alamin, Nesredin Meyer; Keira, Quinn, Riley and Shea McCarthy; Liam and Alissa Pina, and Colin and Kenna McCarthy. All were continually in awe of their matriarch’s strength and will dearly miss her. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Joan Langley; her special nieces and nephews, Karen and Percy Daniels, MaryLou and Del Wnorowski, Maureen Wight, Colleen Walkoviak, and the nieces and nephews of the Langley/McCarthy/Tomanovich families; and her best friend Norma Schug, who always supported her without fail. Additional thanks to Judy Williams, Jack VanAuken, Mundi Shapiro, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Toukalty, Betty and Dick Kistner, Eleanor Mazloom, and Lois Bianco for their years of friendship and assistance. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother-in-law, Jane and Karl Habla, and Sheila Langley; and her brothers and sister-in-law, James and Martha Langley, and David Langley. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the outstanding nurses, caregivers, and doctors of Hospice and Siegenthaler Center for their dedicated and loving care of Gail. Special thanks to Mary Ellen Blom, her extraordinary nurse of 2 years, Anne, Stephanie R., Irene, Drs. Werner and Snow, Deacon Paul Salamy, Nevaz, the Michelles, Justin, Lori, Johanne, Frank, and the entire staff. In keeping with Gail’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. In lieu of flowers, anyone considering a memorial remembrance is asked to consider Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., Siegenthaler Center, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Gail’s Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life which will be celebrated on Saturday, March 4th at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Gail Mary (Langley) McCarthy

May 5, 1916 - February 1, 2017