Rose Elizabeth (Lopp) McCarthy

Rose was born to Mary Etta Perry and Walter Lopp on July 2, 1929, in Buffalo, NY. She cherished her childhood, which was split between her home and her grandparents’ farm in the country in Pennsylvania. Rose often shared fond memories of her youth, particularly the joys and many life lessons learned from being raised in a close-knit family environment.

Rose graduated from Buffalo State Teacher’s College with a degree in Education. As an active member of the Sigma Kappa sorority, she dedicated herself to welcoming new members and fostering lifelong friendships. Her commitment to Sigma Kappa lasted throughout her life, with regular gatherings and cherished reunions with her sorority sisters.

Rose’s devotion to her family was unwavering. She married Richard McCarthy, and together they welcomed seven children: Mark, Mary, Patricia, Kevin, Eileen, Michael, and Rosemary. As a loving homemaker, Rose was deeply involved in her children’s upbringing, instilling in them values of kindness, education, and respect. Richard’s naval career took them on many adventures across the country, and Rose’s ability to create a home wherever they went was a testament to her love and dedication.

Later in life, Rose returned to the workforce as a substitute teacher, often at Riverside High School in particular, where she continued to influence and inspire young minds. Her passion for teaching and her ability to connect with students left a lasting impact on many.

Simply put, Rose loved life. Baking pies, bird watching, playing the piano, and singing along to her favorite films like My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music were just a few of her favorite hobbies, many of which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her family will always remember the sounds of her piano playing and contagious, joyous laughter filling the air. Her home was always filled with books, posters from her favorite plays, and collections of turtles and salt and pepper shakers that various family members gifted to her over the years.

Predeceased by her youngest daughter, Rosemary, in 1972, Rose is survived by her six children: Mark (Sherry) McCarthy of Greenville, SC, Mary McCarthy of Redondo Beach, CA, Patricia (Marshall) Greenstein of Cassadaga, NY, Kevin (Michiko) McCarthy of Playa Del Rey, CA, Eileen (Thomas) Bull of Clarence, NY, Michael (LuGene) McCarthy of Greenville, SC. Nine grandchildren also survive her: Jacqueline (Rob) McCarthy of Charlotte, NC, Moriah (Jeffrey) Keddie of Fredonia, NY, Caitlin Greenstein of Raleigh, NC, Ryan McCarthy of Kings Beach, CA, Hunter McCarthy of San Francisco, CA, Cormac McCarthy of Los Angeles, CA, Jonas (Teresa) Greenstein of South Wales, NY, Katharine Bull of Clarence, NY, Naomi (Beren) Gulotta of East Amherst, NY, and six great-grandchildren: Zoey, Gavin, Aiden, Caleb, Harper, and Finley, who will miss her dearly. Rose’s legacy of warmth, nurturing, and joy for life will live on through them.

A wake will be held on Sunday, April 21st from 2 PM to 5 PM at Dengler, Roberts, & Perna Funeral Home at 8630 Transit Road in East Amherst. On Monday, April 22nd, 2024, at 10 AM, a Mass will be held at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at 4375 Harris Hill Road in Williamsville.

For online condolences, visit https://www.dignity memorial.com/obituaries/east-amherst-ny/rose-mccarthy-11774484.

Rose’s life was a beautiful example of love, education, and community. She will be rememberedfondly by all who knew her.