Elizabeth J. "Betty" McCarthy passed away peacefully at United Hospital Systems–Kenosha Campus, at the age of 82 on Saturday, September 24, 2011, after a courageous battle with emphysema and lung cancer. Born in Racine, WI, on April 11, 1929, to Bradford Jacob Kiner (former Chief of the Inspection Department at Nash Motors) and Elizabeth Kiner. She was raised in Racine, WI, was baptized and attended Atonement Lutheran Church. Betty married Robert W. McCarthy on August 11, 1951, and moved to Chicago IL. She spent her early adult years as a Kindergarten teacher in the Chicago public schools. Later, she worked, for 22 years, as a tour guide/receptionist/customer service rep for Kitchens of Sara Lee. Most importantly, she spent her entire adult life doing what she called “her life passion” raising her five beloved children. Upon Betty’s retirement, she could enjoy her favorite pastime of reading; reading, on average, one book a week. In 2000, Betty moved to Pleasant Prairie to be closer to immediate family and joined Lord of Life Lutheran Church, where she met a very special companion, Lenny Bruni, who brought much joy to her life at a senior age. She is survived by her children, Lisa A. Freeman, Bradford W. McCarthy, Susan B. Baker (Richard), Laura J. Brennan (Norm), and Amy L. McCarthy (aka Amy Ermel). Her grandchildren, Mindy Beurskens (Tim), Laura Smallhorn (Jake), Drew Baker (Alyssa), Kyle Brennan, Lisa Ermel, Bradford Ermel, Stephanie Freeman, Andrew Freeman, Caitlin McCarthy, and Kevin McCarthy; and her great-grandchildren, Emma Beurskens, Alli Beurskens, Morgan Krone, Brandt Baker, Elliott Baker, and Alli Hooks. She is also survived by the family black lab, Mason, who she adored and claimed to be the smartest and sweetest dog she ever had. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Bradford and Elizabeth Kiner, sister and brother-in-law Margaret and Henry Weisbrod, husband Robert McCarthy, and special companion Lenny Bruni. A visitation will be held at The Lord of Life Lutheran Church on Tuesday, September 27th, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park in Racine on Wednesday, September 28th, at 9:30 a.m. Family and friends are asked to meet at the main gate at West Lawn Memorial Park.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Betty's Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Dawn-Marie
September 27, 2011
Dear Amy, I'm sorry just doesn't seem appropriate or enough. My heart is aching for the pain and loss you and your family are feeling right now. My hope is that from this day on you would all continue to feel the wonderful, strong, kind. loving, compassionate spirit of your mom around and in you. She's there. Close your eyes and feel it. She loves you all. Remember what Sarah said. Namaste
Jan Zielinski
September 26, 2011
To Betty's Family: I was so saddened to hear about Betty's passing. You have my deepest and sincerest sympathy. I have been a member of Lord of Life Church for about a year and attend by myself. Betty and I would often sit together at the 10:30 service. She was always so pleasant and gracious. She will be deeply missed. You can be comforted to know, though, that she loved our Lord; and the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. May God's grace be of comfort to all of you.
Chris Witz
September 26, 2011
Amy, you have my deepest sympathies for the loss of your mom.
Vivian Zurita
September 26, 2011
Amy, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your mother. I know this is a very difficult time for you, keep cherished memories of her close to your hearts and she will always be with you. May God bless you all in your time of sorrow. She is resting in peace in a better place now, surrounded by God's love and enduring no more pain or suffering. Your friend, Vivian