Susanne S. (Ciulla) McCarthy

HAVERHILL - Susanne Sandra McCarthy, 78, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2020 after a long, happy life. Born on April 22, 1942, in Everett, Massachusetts, Sue was the eldest child of Samuel and Mary Ciulla.

She met the love of her life, Paul McCarthy, when the two were 13 and 14. They were a part of the same group of friends throughout high school. Even before they began to date, Paul was sure that Sue was the one. Her kind, light-hearted spirit made her stand out from the crowd. The day she agreed to marry him was the happiest day of Paul’s life, matched only by their wedding on June 26, 1966 and the birth of their son, Thomas, the following year.

A bright woman with many interests, Sue graduated with an A.S. degree in Environmental Technology from Northern Essex Community College in the 70’s. Afterward, she worked as a chemist for the City of Haverhill, and then for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts until her retirement.

In her off hours, she loved to go dancing and watch Red Sox games. (It is generally accepted that when Sue wore her lucky hat, the Sox were more likely to win.) But her favorite activity was cooking Italian food for family and friends. Sitting at the dinner table with loved ones, making sure that everyone was happy and had everything they needed – this was Susanne’s true calling. Every day of the week, Sue was a person you could depend on for a warm welcome, genuine hospitality, and a care package to take home. Her generous spirit shone brightly each holiday, when she would express her boundless affection through gifts. She never forgot a special occasion for a single member of her large, Italian family.

Susanne was very proud of her heritage. Although she was never able to visit her ancestral home in Sciacca, Sicily, she was proud to obtain dual citizenship in 2010.

In addition to her son and her husband, Susanne is survived by six siblings, Carol, Rosemary, Steve, Mary Clare, Tom and Lillian as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She has given each one of them a lifetime of beautiful memories and will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 12, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Services will be Friday, beginning in the funeral home at 9:00 AM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 S. Main Street, Haverhill at 10:00 AM. Interment will be held at a future date. Please note to wear face coverings and social distancing measures will be in place. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Sue's memory to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844 or online at www.mspca.org/doante-now

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