McCarthy, Anne L., of Milton, formerly of Dorchester and Braintree, died unexpectedly but peacefully on January 21, 2024 – her 91st birthday - at Milton Hospital surrounded by her family. Daughter of the late Charles and Anna (McMullen) McCarthy. Devoted sister of Eleanor McCarthy of Milton, Charles McCarthy and his wife Denise (Creamer) McCarthy of Braintree and the late Mary Svirsky and her late husband Peter Svirsky of Marshfield. Loving aunt of Sean McCarthy of Braintree, Christine McCarthy of Dorchester, Michelle (McCarthy) Hume and her husband Michael Hume of Braintree, Michael Svirsky and his long-time partner HosZe To of Harwich and the late Peter Svirsky III and his widow Darlene Svirsky of Marshfield; and adoring great-aunt to Charlie Hume of Brooklyn NY and Fiona Hume and Molly Hume of Braintree. She was the godmother of Donna (Casey) Snow of Plymouth.

Anne was born and raised in Dorchester and graduated from St. Ann’s School where she met lifelong friends Mary (Muldoon) Casey, Eileen (Flaherty) O’Brien and Eileen (Denihan) Fahey, and then Gate of Heaven High School in South Boston with Mary. She went to work for “the Telephone” right after high school and after more than 40 years and a series of promotions, was able to retire in her 50s as a manager in accounting. She worked hard but also made sure she had a great time along the way. A true feminist, she supported women’s rights and was never so proud than the day she could cast her first ballot for a woman candidate. She has been described by many as having a “fiery” personality and this endeared her to those around her. She was not shy about speaking her mind, often prefacing her opinion with her famous phrase, “and I’m here to tell you…” She was smart as hell and interested in learning about people and places. She traveled the world with her dear friend Jeanne Regan, spent the summers of her youth in Brewster with Mary and her family, bought her own place in Hyannis and then in Jamestown RI where she had many a great time with Eleanor, Jeanne, Peggy and Ethel. Anne loved a party and always looked forward to celebrating holidays or life events with the Casey and Creamer families. She had many joys in life, including every single cigarette she ever smoked; when she finally quit at age 80, she may have single-handedly put Alpine Cigarettes out of business. She loved sipping on a nice hot cup of tea … or a Manhattan or glass of Pinot Grigio … all while enjoying an extended late dinner with family or friends, playing cards, or sitting around laughing and telling stories that inevitably got repeated and embellished as the night went on. She had perfect penmanship, made lists for everything, was an avid reader, completed the daily NYT crossword puzzle in pen, and later in life would spend hours each day doing one crossword puzzle after another.

After a series of health issues, Anne moved to Atria Marina Place in 2020 and that turned out to be a magical decision. There she found a community of people who cared deeply about her and for her, and she thrived. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to David Ziolkowski and his Life Guidance team for wrapping their arms around Anne, keeping her engaged and entertained, and for playing all those games of Bingo because they knew it was her favorite. We would also like to thank Catherine Larkin and her Celtic Caregivers Debbie, Lauren, Gopi and Patricia (and Fiona) for providing Anne with security and companionship … and height; at 4’10”, Anne’s biggest complaint was “everybody around here is too tall, I can’t reach anything!” You all made Anne feel loved.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated, Monday January 29th at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish - St. Elizabeth Church, 350 Reedsdale Rd., MILTON at 11:30 am. Interment in Milton Cemetery, MILTON. Relative and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visitation will be held Monday, January 29th at the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave., EAST MILTON SQUARE from 10:00 – 11:00 am prior to the mass.

Anne generously supported many charities throughout her life and would be touched if you made a donation in her name to a charity you support.