In Loving Memory of Jane Matern McCarthy
Jane Matern McCarthy, 97, of Schenectady, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 22, 2022.
She was born in Schenectady, on May 9, 1924, to the late William H. and Pearl (Booth) Matern. She was a lifelong resident of Schenectady and communicant of Trinity Lutheran Church, and served the Lord with gladness all her days.
After graduation from Mont Pleasant HS, Jane worked in General Electric payroll until 1948, and then transitioned careers to become an outstanding homemaker and mother. She married William J. McCarthy (Mac) on September 12, 1945, and they shared 72 happy years before his passing in 2018.
For decades Jane taught Sunday School, worked on the Altar Guild, and belonged to the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. As a dynamic duo, Jane and Mac helped produce Bibles in Braille, packed supplies for international charities, and assisted with local food distributions at St. Luke's Catholic Church. They devoted their lives to church and community service, and also helped family, friends, and neighbors with rides, repairs, projects, errands, and visits to cheer the sick and shut-ins.
Jane took equal joy in her close and extended family; hosting Thanksgiving dinners and participating in so many summer get-togethers, picnics, and Sunday afternoons at Camp. Like her own mother, she was renowned for her turkey dinners, apple pies, and brownies. She knew the family calendar by heart, kept track of the birthdays and anniversaries, and saved all the children's school and Christmas photos. Jane's life was an expression of her love and faith, and her energy and joy will be greatly missed.
Jane is survived by her daughter Joanne Montanye; grandsons Robert Montanye (Jenn Dunbar), Michael Montanye (Mary Kaplan), Dan Montanye (Eleonor), and Peter Montanye (Ashley Flatt); siblings John Matern (Carol), George Matern (Lynne), Martha Franklin, Pearl Albrechtsen, and Paul Matern (Kathy); numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews; and extended family and friends.
She was predeceased by her cherished husband William; daughter Suzanne McCarthy Cutler; siblings William Matern (and wife Marie) and Elizabeth Matern (in infancy); and brother in law Allan Franklin.
Memorial services will be conducted at 10am on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 35 Furman St, Schenectady, NY 12304.
Jane has donated her body to the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical Center, as her husband did before her. When her program is completed, Jane and Mac will be laid to rest together at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie, NY, at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
Trinity Lutheran Church, 35 Furman St, Schenectady, NY
The Lutheran Women's Missionary League
