Mildred Theresa McCarthy - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Mildred Theresa McCarthy

Born June 4, 1928

Mildred Theresa McCarthy, known fondly as Millie, age 88, of New Castle, DE, passed away at home after an 11 month battle with cancer, on Saturday, February 18, 2017, with her daughter and son-in-law by her side.

Millie was born in Wilmington, DE on June 4, 1928 and was the daughter of the late William H. and Olive (Fisher) Merkel. She was a graduate of Wilmington High School and a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean War. Millie retired from the Bank of Delaware after nearly 30 years of dedicated employment.

A longtime and active parishioner of St. Helena R.C. Church, she was president of the Altar Society and gave of her time by coaching CYO softball and volleyball at the parish. An avid and talented bowler, Millie was a member of a number of leagues at both Bowlerama and Holiday Lanes, was on the Board of Directors for the WWBA and was a certified youth bowling coach. Additionally, she was inducted into both the Wilmington and Delaware Womens Bowling Halls of Fame for her years of tireless service to the sport. Active in her community, Millie was a past secretary of the Castle Hills Civic Association and a member of the U.S. Navy Memorial and the First State Military Woman Warriors. Proud of her heritage, she loved everything Irish and was a member of the Irish Culture Club of Delaware. Millie was a loyal Phillies fan who watched every game she could. In her leisure time, she enjoyed completing puzzles and word searches and playing Yatzee.

In addition to her parents, Millie was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Austin; brothers, William Sonny Merkel and Joseph Merkel; and great granddaughter, Evangelina McCarthy. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law who served as her caregivers, Karyn and Wayne Wilson; son, Michael J. McCarthy (Brenda); grandchildren, Timothy McCarthy, Megan Wiles (Wilson), Mike McCarthy, Jr. and Stacie McCarthy; 7 great grandchildren, one of whom is anticipated to arrive in April; special niece, Patricia DiSabatino; and best friends, Mary Hall and Winnie Tyler.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 1 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 1 pm. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), P.O. Box 8500, Philadelphia, PA 19178.

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18 Condolences for Mildred Theresa McCarthy

  • My dearest sister and family, we are so lucky to have had the honor of Momma Millie in our lives. She will always hold a special place in our hearts. We love you all!!!! Judy, Brian and Marissa

  • Sorry we cannot make it…Shannon father in law also passed away this weekend. All our love, Ron and Lynn

  • Aunt Millie was an active lady, involved with her church, CYO sports, Bank of Delaware softball, the U.S. Navy Waves, and her community. She enjoyed vacationing at Lewes and Cape Hatteras and cook-outs with family. Through it all, she suffered with rheumatoid arthritis.

    She will be sorely missed. But now she has her Mom again.

  • We enjoyed Aunt Millie’s company and appreciated her help when we needed coverage for our special needs son, Gabe. She was always able to watch him for us whenever an occasion arose. She traveled with us on vacation to Cape Hatteras for a number of years. She had fun and looked forward to the trip every year. Patty’s family, on the island, was always happy when Millie was able to spend a week or so with them.
    Many years ago, when Patty and I were first married and struggling, like most new families, aunt Millie was our ‘secret Santa’. She was always able to surprise us with a wonderful and sorely needed gift. I will always be thankful. Patty and I continue what she started at Christmas in remembrance of her. She liked shrimp……Baileys and cream……a good joke…..and lunch with Patty. We will certainly miss her.

  • So sorry for your loss , Millie was AMAIZING at whatever she did. I had the pleasure of working with her for several years when I was officer of the KISS league what a pleasure she was. She will be missed.

  • I love you Aunt Millie!!!

  • So sad that Millie isn’t here anymore but at least now she can finally rest after giving it her all for so many years. There is nothing like a mother’s love, so just remember she will always be over your shoulder to help you in time of needs…

    We love you guys, stay strong…

  • Karyn, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Dear Karyn and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your mother was a great woman and always had a smile on her face. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.

  • Millie, you will be greatly missed. You have many family and friends that love you so much. I have so many memories of you as a child through my adulthood. Thank you for everything you’ve done for your family, friends, community and your country

  • MOM, you took part of me with you when you left me. I was so glad to have been holding your hand when you passed. You were the best mom ever, raising 2 children on your own. You are now with your mom, who you missed terribly – I know you are happy ♥

  • With our deepest sympathy to you, Karen and Wayne and family. Millie was a special person a wonderful friend. She will be missed but remember she is watching over you.

  • Karyn,

    I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Hugs, Margaret

  • Dear Karyn,

    Deepest sympathy from Tom and I on the death of your mother. I am sorry that we were not able to make the service.

  • Karyn & Wayne,

    Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. We did not have the pleasure of knowing her personally but from what we have heard and read she must have been a wonderful person. You, Wayne and family are to be commended for the way you took care of her the last years of her life

  • So very sorry to hear we lost Millie, she will be sadly missed by Lisa and I. She will be bowling in heaven with the old gang. So very sorry for your loss.

    Roni and Lisa.

  • Thank you. Wish you had been there too, miss you guys. She definitely was an awesome person

  • Thank you for the kind words Karen and Tom. My heart is broke, but the outpouring of friends thru out my life like you two have helped me through it ♥