Catherine, age 90, of Farmington, passed peacefully into eternal life on Monday afternoon, June 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on February 24, 1935, in Detroit, Catherine was the cherished daughter of the late Ferdinand and Lucy (Sherman) Delfgauw. She graduated from Redford High School in 1953 and later earned her teaching degree from the University of Michigan in 1970—an accomplishment that reflected her lifelong love of learning and dedication to helping others grow.

On June 26, 1954, Catherine married the love of her life, Jack McCarthy, at St. Paul Presbyterian Church in Livonia. Together they shared more than six decades of devotion and partnership until Jack's passing on March 15, 2017.

Catherine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and neighbor. She possessed a kind heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and an unshakable instinct for peacekeeping. She had a natural gift for caregiving—nurturing her family, supporting her friends, and helping wherever she was needed.

A woman of deep faith, Catherine was an active and beloved member of First United Methodist Church in Farmington, where she gave generously of her time and talents. She could be found joyfully volunteering at the annual Ice Cream Social during the Founders Festival, assisting with church coffee hours, serving on the education committee, and participating in Crop Walk.

Following her retirement from General Motors, Catherine continued her service to others as a substitute teacher in the Farmington Public Schools. She also spent countless hours supporting her son Jeff's various business ventures, embodying a tireless work ethic and deep commitment to her family's success.

She was a devoted mother to her children, Jeffrey (Angela) McCarthy and Buff (Thomas) Donovan, and took immense pride in helping raise her beloved granddaughter, Ceara Donovan. Whether it was spending pool days at the condo with Ceara and her friends, organizing shopping trips with Buff and Ceara, or hosting Ceara's friends who all came to know and love her as "Grandma," Catherine cherished the simple joys of family and connection.

Catherine had a generous spirit—always helpful, always present. She was known to lend a matchmaking hand at grief support groups, believing in the healing power of companionship. She loved line dancing at the Costick Center, reading, and spending time at the Farmington Public Library.

In addition to her beloved Jack, Catherine was preceded in death by her siblings, Frederick (the late Jean) Delfgaw, Lillian (the late Jack) Ball, Fran (the late Alfred) Aughton, Robert (Sue) Delfgauw, Albert Stebner, Marion Delfgauw, and Annie (the late James) Krise.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday morning, September 13, at 11:00 am, at the First United Methodist Church of Farmington with the Reverend Carolyn Wik presiding.  A luncheon will follow in the church's lower-level social hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Humane Society, a cause dear to Catherine's heart.