Jean L. McCarthy, of Brockton, Massachusetts, passed away on October 24, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on June 9, 1945, in Boston, she was raised in Quincy, a community that remained an important part of her life and story.

Jean was the daughter of Alice McCarthy and Walter McCarthy. She attended Quincy Public Schools and graduated from Quincy High School in 1963. She went on to graduate from Quincy Nursing School in 1967, beginning a long and meaningful career devoted to the care of others. As a nurse, she worked at multiple hospitals in the Boston area and later retired from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. Her professional life reflected steady compassion, commitment, and service.

For ten years, Jean lived in Bermuda, where she worked at St. Brendan's Psychiatric Hospital. Bermuda became her home away from home, a place she loved deeply. She especially enjoyed the island’s beaches and loved to swim, finding joy and peace in the water and in the beauty of the island she held so close to her heart.

Jean also had a special devotion to animals, especially her beloved Shih Tzus, Gabby and Clementine, her cherished companions for many years. Over the years, she rescued many dogs and found lasting connection through the Shih Tzu online community, where she generously served as a moderator. Her love for her dogs and for that community was a meaningful and enduring part of her life.

She is survived by her siblings Eileen Chase of Quincy; Daniel McCarthy and Nina of Florida; Jack McCarthy and Lupe of Idaho; and Rita Sandberg of Scituate. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, a large and loving extended family who will carry her memory forward.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Walter McCarthy; by her sisters Alice Murphy Yeomans and Patricia Petrilli. She was also predeceased by  brother in laws, Jack Murphy, Larry Petrilli, Joe Chase and Bud Sandberg.

She also leaves behind her lifelong friend Virginia “Sully” Haviland, her childhood friend and classmate from Quincy Nursing School, whose friendship spanned the years with warmth and constancy. Jean will also be lovingly remembered by her friends and caregivers, Stacy Preskenis and Aubree Lewis, who fondly referred to her as Nana Jean.

Jean will be remembered for her caring spirit, her dedication as a nurse, her love of Bermuda and the sea, and the deep affection she gave to the people and animals in her life. Cremation will take place, with private services to be held.