Natural caretaker
MELROSE — Lillian L. (Boulger) McCarthy, a longtime Melrose resident, passed away peacefully at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston on Saturday, March 30 at age 78.
Lillian was born in Malden on September 28,1945, one of four children of the late Joseph Boulger and Marion (Pinkham) Boulger. She was raised in Malden, graduated from Malden High school and worked as an LPN at Malden Hospital for over 10 years. She married a fellow Malden native, the late Francis H. McCarthy and they settled in Melrose to raise a family of three children.
After starting a family, Lillian returned to her education, receiving a Master’s Degree in Education from Cambridge College. With a big heart, Lillian was a natural caretaker and she became a Quality Assurance Nurse for over 20 years.
Outside of work, Lillian or “Nana” enjoyed numerous cruises with Fran, spending winters in Naples, FL and enjoyed summers in Alton Bay, NH.
Wherever she was, Nana was surrounded by family and beloved by all. For many years, the family cottage in NH served as a central gathering place for outings to Santa’s Village or Storyland or her favorite game nights with her grandchildren. Lillian was the quintessential matriarch who loved getting the family together for a holiday with lots of food, especially her famous stuffing.
Caring and independent, Lillian was a source strength and love for everyone. As a constant support to her children and grandchildren, everyone relied on Nana and she filled the role of grandmother with selfless love and dedication. Her strong will and unconditional love for family will carry on with her family as her lasting legacy.
Nana was the beloved wife of the late Francis H. McCarthy with whom she shared 50 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Scott McCarthy and his wife Anne of Melrose; Lisa McCarthy of Stoneham; and the late Dana McCarthy and his surviving longtime companion Heather Evans of Melrose. Loving sister of the late Arthur Boulger; Daniel Boulger and his surviving wife Chickie; Arlene Breen and her surviving husband Paul; and sister-in-law of Judith Macero and her husband Michael of Chelsea. Cherished “Nana” of Devin McCarthy and his wife Amanda; Justin McCarthy; Tyler McCarthy; Andrew Evans; Krystal Evans; and Katelyn Herrara and her husband Jonathan. Caring great-grandmother of Mason, Nathan, Daniella and Briella. Also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends were kindly invited to gather in honor of “Nana’s” life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, April 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Friday, April 5 for her funeral service celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. If you wish, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101. For online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
