Rhea Roseland Roy (McCarthy)

Rhea would not want you to take time from your busy day to read this description of her life as she would describe herself as just an ordinary person.  However, anyone that knew her would tell you that she was far from ordinary or average.   Rhea was a private, humble, kind, stoic, open-minded, and generous woman who will be remembered for telling you she was “fine” throughout her three-year battle with cancer and thanking every nurse, family member, and friend that visited, tucked her in, or provided her with words of encouragement or chocolate.

Rhea R. McCarthy left her earthly home on the snowy morning of December 14th 2017 to join her parents, family, and friends for the holidays.  Rhea was born in New York City on April 17th, 1942 to William and Marie Roy and the youngest of three sisters.  Her family lived for a short time in Putnam, CT and eventually settled in Webster, MA.  After graduating from St. Louis, she attended nursing school at Memorial Hospital in Worcester, MA.  Her passion for helping others lead her to enlist in the US Army in order to care for soldiers and civilians as an operating room nurse during the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War.  Rhea continued to serve in the US Army and eventually retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2002. 

Rhea spent her career as an OR nurse at Hubbard Regional Hospital in Webster and eventually retired from Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam.  She was well respected by her colleagues and patients and could be described as genuine, dedicated, and witty.

Rhea married Kenneth McCarthy of Canadaigua NY.  Although they parted ways, their friendship lasted their lifetimes.  Rhea spent most of her life living in North Grosvenordale, CT where she raised their two children, Kimberlee and Christopher, as well as, many of their friends.   She was a stellar example of responsibility, independence, and resilience.  Although her children could be a bit rebellious at times, this was no reflection of her.  She was a dedicated mother and she was proud of the people they became.

She loved her home and community.  After retirement, she continued to keep herself busy and to share her talents and gifts by serving others.  She participated in three mission trips in Africa volunteering as an OR nurse with Mercy Ships.  She also traveled to Vietnam twice and provided basic health care at a local clinic with a volunteer organization, Vets with a Mission.

You could also find Rhea attending church services, making meatloaf at the local food pantry, having breakfast with friends, working in the yard, feeding the birds, upcycling, watching something on the history channel, and cherishing time with family.   You would not find Rhea eating vegetables, sharing her experiences in Vietnam, gossiping, or asking for help.

She will be missed by her children, her sisters Ruth and Roni, her best friend Tina, and the countless number of people that she impacted in some way.

A Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s in Dudley, MA on Saturday December 23, 2017 at 9:30 am. Please go directly to the church.  Military honors after the Mass.   Rhea would not want you to spend your money on flowers for her.  She would prefer you to make a contribution to one of the many organizations she supported…Mercy Ships, ASPCA, Maryknoll, the Wildlife Federation OR volunteer at a local organization OR do one random act of kindness today.  The Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, 48 School St., Webster, MA has been entrusted with her arrangements.  A guest book is available at www.shaw-majercik.com where you may post a condolence or light a candle.

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