Helen Vanda McCarthy, nee Rogal, age 102, born February 28, 1899 in Chicago IL, her parents were Cyril and Julia Rogalski of Poznan (now Poland) who immigrated to the United States around 1890. She was the last of her eight siblings of men; Joseph, Charles, Henry, Leo, Louis and the women, Theresa Eugenia and Lucille. She is survived by her two sons, Gene Talbot McCarthy of Palos Heights, IL, and Jack D. McCarthy, M.D. and his wife Victoria of Albuquerque, NM; and five grandchildren and their families; Vincent McCarthy, Glenn and Adrianna McCarthy, Gail and Daniel Turluck, Leslie and Patrick Apodaca, Sivia and Stephen Ohler; and eight great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death in 1960 by her loving husband of 42 years, Elmer V. McCarthy M.D., a practicing physician and surgeon in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago. At age 54, after caring for her husband and children, she elected to return to the work force. She became a secretary to the executive secretary of the National Parent Teachers Congress from where she retired at age 66. Helen was a lady of grace, intelligence and optimism combined with dedication to her husband and to her family. Adversities were accepted and surmounted without aspirations or blame. Most of her life was spent in Chicago to which she returned in 1990 after some 15 years in Tavares, Florida. Service and interment private. Her memory may be served by a memorial to a charity of your choice. Information: Schmaedeke Funeral Home, 708-448-6000
