Obituary of Bridget E. McCarthy

After a lifetime of care and concern for others, Bridget Elaine McCarthy entered into rest March 28, 2025, at the age of 70. Among the countless reasons Bridget was so loved were her sharp wit, her exceptional intelligence and her contagious laughter. The only things she loved as much as her family were Sasha, her dog, Nicorette gum, and lattes — preferably from Tim Hortons and never from a hospital cafeteria. Bridget was born on January 15, 1955, to Charles and Patricia McCarthy in Buffalo, New York. She was one of seven children, including Karen (Geoffrey) Jakiel, and Brian McCarthy, and was predeceased by her siblings Colleen (Bedie) Joseph, Kevin, Dennis, and Molly McCarthy. She was an adored Aunt “Fifi” to many, including Kristin (David) Movius, Matthew Jakiel, Sarah Jakiel, Norman “NJ” (Heather) Joseph, Mike (Kate) Joseph, Amilia and Amanda Eckam, and Casey McCarthy; a cherished Great-Aunt to Charlie, Max and Casey Movius, Ethan, Victoria, Sophia, Harper, Savannah, Corbin, and the late Bedie Joseph. Among her many beloved cousins, her relationships with cousins Kate Campana (James Gladstone) and Hugh Kennedy (Kim) were especially meaningful. Of all of Bridget’s impressive achievements and important roles, none held more meaning or significance than her role as guardian and second mother to her niece, Casey McCarthy. Bridget was fiercely protective of Casey and loved her unconditionally. Bridget loved and was deeply grateful for her extended chosen family, including the Casey clan: Todd Casey, Didi (Phil) Collesano, Nancy (Wayne) Ferrandino, Addie Casey, Megan Casey, Hugh (Terry) Casey, Kristin (Jim) Gross, Conor (Maureen) Casey, Evan (Amy) Casey, Ted Casey, many Casey nieces and nephews, and too many friends to count. Bridget was a member of the Holy Angels Class of 1973, and a graduate of University of Buffalo in 1977. During her undergraduate studies, she traveled to Switzerland to study abroad for a semester and loved the experience so much that she didn’t return for two years. After receiving her Master’s degree in public health from Yale in 1983, Bridget went on to work for the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. under the direction of Dr. Anthony Fauci. Bridget then earned a second Master’s degree in Science of Physician Assistant Studies from King’s College. She worked as a PA of Mercy Hospital at Buffalo and continued to work as a PA at the University of Rochester until the day she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 66 East Main Street, Hamburg, NY on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bridget’s memory may be made to: Democratic National Committee (DNC) via democrats.org or to Love146.org.