Lillian Virginia McCarthy – also known as Mom and Grandma – was born on January 11th, 1955 in Syracuse, NY. She lost her fight against Brain Cancer / Glioblastoma the morning of April 7th, 2020 in Rockwall, TX.
Lillian was a curly haired Shirley Temple look alike at a young age and her lively spirit, sense of humor, angelic voice and love for dancing was clear to all who knew her from the very beginning. Raised in all Catholic Schools she continued her education at Le Moyne Jesuit College in DeWitt, NY. There Lillian met the father of her children – James J Egan (2015). Lillian had a zest for life and touched many around her during the years of her many moves as a family to Norwich NY, Manasses VA, Endicott NY, Clear Lake TX, Boca Raton FL, Grapevine TX and Austin TX before her last move to the Dallas TX area. Through every job move and physical move – she brought her spirit and love of life to those around her and her family. She raised her 2 children with love, laughter, and lots of sitting through golf tournaments and baseball games at all of her homes. She was loved by her children’s friends and everyone she worked with – she never met a stranger. She asked her mother – Mary Virginia McCarthy (2013) to move in with her family when her father – Thomas Henry McCarthy (1991) passed suddenly at 65. The hour long conversations she had with her mother turned into a loving and larger household where they could talk and support each other fully. Her love of her family was apparent then and was pervasive throughout her life. Lillian spent a very happy 10 years with her partner, John Balkey. They enjoyed quiet weekends cabining & also let her love of fun loose seeing shows and dancing often prior to her passing.
She was surrounded by her family during the days leading up to her death and kept such a loving and light spirit about her, even during her hardest days. She is survived by her son Richard (Dr. Ashley) Egan, her daughter Jennifer (John) Lewis, her 4 Grandchildren – Kelsey, Lochlan, Thomas and Logan, her partner John Balkey and many family members who loved her from the DeRosa, Egan and Johns families.
Due to the COVID19 restrictions – services in both Rockwall, TX and Syracuse, NY will be forthcoming. Please see her memorial page for details as they are updated. In lieu of flowers, please donate here.