Anna May McCarthy, 88, died Saturday, July 22, in Stratford surrounded by her loving family. She was married for 51 years to her devoted and loving husband, the late Edward T. McCarthy. She is survived by: her six children, Peggy (Barry Berman), Eileen (Gerard Kunkel), Thomas (Jan), Mary Stagis, E.J., and Patrice (Timothy Attolino); eight grandchildren, Carissa McCarthy, Laura and Will Kunkel, Julie Stagis Bartucca (Jordan), Thomas Stagis, Daniel Berman, Timothy Attolino, Jr. and Katie Attolino; a sister, Mary Sirotniak (Jack); a brother, Thomas Johnson (Fran); sisters-in-law Blanche and Roseann Johnson; and dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by five brothers.

Born in Jersey City, N.J. on August 9, 1928, to Ann and August Johnson, she also lived in Bridgeport and Milford, before moving to Lord Chamberlain nursing home. She graduated from St. Peter’s Commercial High School in Jersey City and worked for the U.S. Army and Yangtze Trading Company in New York.  She was an enthusiastic volunteer at her children’s schools, a substitute teacher, a fun and loving “Grandma” to her grandchildren, a beach lover, and was known for her outgoing personality and her ability to engage friends and strangers alike in conversation. The family is grateful to the staff at Lord Chamberlain for their warm, compassionate and attentive care.

Mourners will meet directly at church for a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel Church, 26 Broadway, Milford, CT. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Ave., Milford, CT. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anna May’s memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.