Jermaine (Jeri) Julia McCarthy, age 85, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born to Jacob and Esther Anderson on Feb. 20, 1937 in Ashland, Wisconsin. After graduating from Ashland High School, Jeri moved to Washington, D.C. and worked for the Department of the Navy. She also spent time working in New York for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Jeri later returned to Wisconsin, met and married John McCarthy of Mellen, Wisconsin. She and John lived in various places in Wisconsin early in their marriage, then moved to Lewis County, Washington in 1967.
She graduated from Centralia College with a degree in fine arts. Over the years, she worked for Nicholson Insurance and in various roles for Lewis County, most recently as chief deputy auditor. Jeri was a longtime active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and participant in St. Angela’s Circle. In addition to church, she was active in book and garden clubs as well as a Finnish Heritage group. Jeri enjoyed traveling and was able to see many places around the world. She also loved gardening, reading, interior design and sewing, plus spending time with family and friends. Those who knew Jeri well knew she had a good sense of humor and appreciated a visit over an excellent cup of tea.
Jeri is survived by her children Jeff (Jenny) McCarthy of Snohomish, Washington, Jim (Janice) McCarthy of Chehalis, Washington, and Jana (Murray) Hocker of Fall City, Washington; and grandchildren Justin (Taryn) McCarthy, Tyler (Emily) McCarthy, Travis (Amanda) McCarthy, Jacob McCarthy and Katelyn Hocker, as well as great-granddaughter Everly McCarthy, plus numerous nieces and nephews. Her husband, John McCarthy, preceded her in death as did her siblings: brother Toivo Anderson; sisters Mayme Anderson, Hilda Neary, Lillian Hager, Viola Schoorman, Viriginia Takkunen, Dorothy Hanninen and June Dorr.
Jeri was well-loved by all who knew her and will be missed greatly. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday, May 13, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Chehalis beginning at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or to Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, P.O. Box 24842, Seattle, Washington, 98124.
