Mildred M. McCarty-Larsuel

Next of kin and Survivors: Marie is survived by her sister Bettye McCarty of San Diego, Sons Keith, Mark, Josuel, and Joseph of California and Arizona. Marie was blessed with six granddaughters, Tiffany, Courtney, Lyndsie, McKenna, Cierra, and Kamryn from California, Colorado, and Massachusetts. She was also blessed with four great-granddaughters, Adeline, Amelia, Aspen, and Korbyn and two great-grandsons, Elijah and Brandon. In addition to her immediate family she leaves behind many loving nephews,  cousins, family and friends both here in California and Indiana.

Mildred Marie McCarty was born on April 29, 1935 to Walter McCarty and Irene McFarland, both preceding her in Death. Marie was the oldest of her three siblings, Margie Taylor, preceded Marie in death, Walter McCarty, preceded Marie in death, and Bettye McCarty. During her school years, Marie was active in every aspect of education. She was a prolific reader and excelled in drama and debate. In addition to her academic success, Marie was an outstanding athlete. She would often tell us stories about how she wiped the boys up off the basketball court as well as out running them on the track.

Her earlier education led her to work in various nursing fields during her formative years. Marie often shared stories about working with her mom caring for a local socialite in Evansville. She would share the stories of her mom scrubbing floors, washing dishes, and making the beds of other people. She said it was good honest work but reminded us to work hard in school and pursue careers. This was the model for Marie’s later life, always helping others often at her own personal expense.

She remained in the healthcare field and also working for the Goodwill Industries until she made the bold decision in the early 70s to relocate to California with her fours sons. A move at that time for a single mother with fours boys was bold and courageous. In the early 70s she arrived in Pasadena to join her sisters who had already made the move to SoCal.

Marie loved California. From the beaches to the mountains, she loved everything about this state and wanted her sons to be part of the advantages it offered.

Marie’s first job was with the Quakers (Friends) in Altadena. This job helped to confirm and solidify her already deeply rooted religious values. After working a few years with the Quakers, Marie went to work for the Lincoln Avenue Water Company, where she worked for the water company for more than twenty years. Marie often talked about her coworkers, managers, and supervisors at the water company. She loved them all and especially loved the customers and clients she came in contact with. These customers and clients became lifelong friends that she maintained until her passing.

Marie was not afraid of work. While working during the day at the water company, she began working at the Pasadena Bank of America processing center in the evening. She did this because she wanted her sons to experience or at least have the opportunity to experience many different things. From tennis lessons, music lessons, camps of all sorts, food on the table, and a roof over our heads, this single wonderful lady provided.

Marie supported her sons and made sure we were doing the “right” thing. There were occasions where she would get off work from the night shift  at the bank on a Saturday morning and drive us to our lessons. There were so many occasions where we knew she was exhausted, but there she was sitting through the lesson watching every bouncing ball or listening to every note being played. Selfless beyond words!

I remember when I was at USC in the marching band, Marie and one of her close friends who’s son was also in the band, would make the trip over to the campus early to watch us practice, stay for the game, and be there for the post game rally, after an SC victory of course.

Her selfishness molded all of us. We are who we are because she gave, and gave, and gave and gave! Even during hard economic times, Marie never missed an opportunity to provide great holidays for us. There was never a Christmas without a delicious meal or gifts under the tree. It was a joy to hear her boast about her boys. No matter what we did, Marie was always proud of us.  Marie never shied away from boasting about her sons and granddaughters. She loved her family. I mean she really loved her family. She loved talking to the granddaughters about their exploits and living vicariously through them. Often telling them, “I’ll just move in with you guys and see if you can keep up with me.”

Marie lived a lively life just like her faith. Her health prevented her from actively participating in her weekly church services, but she loved volunteering as much as she could. Recently she was helping out with Josuel’s church in the Antelope Valley with the Homeless out Reach ministry. She loved being in the mix and helping others. Marie also loved her “Red Hatters” group. Please know that she loved and spoke about all of you often.

God is a loving and caring God and my brothers and I are at peace knowing that God has her now, she is no longer suffering, and her happiness and love for all of us is eternal.

We love you Mom and will hold you in our hearts forever!

Marie’s internment at Mountain View Cemetery will be private due to Covid-19 restrictions. Please feel free to send a message of love at this website.

A Celebration of this wonderful woman’s life will be scheduled sometime in 2021. From Keith, Mark, Joseph, and Josuel, thank you all for your love and support. God bless all of you.