MCCARTHY, Delores

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, February 19, 2014 Delores McCarthy of Prescott, Ariz., passed from this life on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, at her daughter's home in Asheville, N.C. She was born July 6, 1922, to Marcella (Decko) and Otto Strand, and spent her childhood on her grandparents' farm near Rush River, Minn. Her dear grandmother instilled in Delores a lifelong passion for music and dancing. After attending high school in LeSueur, Minn., she married Al Lawrence and they made their home in LeSueur for many years with their children, John, JoAnn and Kathleen. They later divorced. Delores was one of the "greatest" generation -smart, kind-hearted, funny, tough and resilient, with a true zest for life. After she met and married John McCarthy, a widower with 12 children, they moved from Madison Lake, Minn., to Prescott, Ariz., where they worked hard together, made good friends, and had a lot of good times. John passed away in 1998 and, after some time, Delores chanced to meet someone who loved music and dancing as much as she did. She and her beloved Charlie spent 13 years as constant companions, dance partners and best friends. Delores is preceded in death by her husband John McCarthy; special granddaughter Angela Kay Lawrence; brother Lawrence Robinson; stepdaughter Mary; stepdaughter-in-law Vicky; and her dear friend Charlie Hoffman. Surviving are her children, John Lawrence, JoAnn (Jim) Lesnar and Kathleen (John) Robb; special granddaughter Georgina Lawrence; brother Dale (Vicky) Strand; sister Goldie (Harold) Tettam; stepchildren and their spouses Kathy and Brad - whom Delores lovingly referred to as "my boyfriend," Joann and Ken, Bob and Betty, Linda and John, Johnny and Peggy, Terry and Lilia, Mark and Dawn, Julie and Eugene, Mickey, Lori and Bruce, and Larry. Delores also had 35 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Condolences may made online at www.AshevilleMortuaryServices.com. Information provided by survivors.