Margaret "Peggy" Ann MacCarthy

With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Margaret “Peggy” (Schommer) MacCarthy on December 25, 2024. Born on October 26, 1938, Peggy lived a life filled with love, music, and dedication to family and community for 86 years.

Peggy met the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” MacCarthy, while attending Marquette University. Music brought them together as members of the university band. Peggy was a Journalism major, while Chuck was a pre-med student. They married on July 15, 1961, and enjoyed 63 loving years together. They raised five children: Mary, Maureen (Terrance) Brick, John (Christine), Kate (Steve) Zaver and Michael (Lauren). They also welcomed Rami Atto (Margaret), an international student who became an unofficial family member. The family now includes 14 Grandchildren: Morgan, Charles, Ben, Mara, Rae, Will, Sam, Maggie, Fiona, River, Enya, Raymond, Sophia and Zane. (And 7 grand dogs, and a grand kitty!) This large family is bonded by the values of kindness and compassion that Peggy instilled. 

Peggy’s green thumb was evident in her beautiful gardens, transforming every plot she touched into vibrant landscapes. Her generosity of spirit extended to her community, where she dedicated countless hours to volunteering. Projects like the St. James Saturday Night Singers, the Lenten Soup Kitchen, Good News Project Annual Dinner, Wausau Art Festival and Newman Catholic School Board all benefitted from her ability to attract the participation of others and coordinate complex projects. 

With a heart open to everyone, she made no distinction between strangers and friends. She loved entertaining and poured her heart into every meal, making her home a warm and welcoming space for family and friends. She often prepared “extra” food to be delivered with little gifts to special friends that she called, “my shut-ins”. The "shut-ins" sometimes had their meals before the family and invited guests arrived to enjoy the leftovers.

Peggy was a musician who enjoyed playing the drums. Her love for music extended to forming a small band with Chuck, Bette and Lou Close and Barbara Lattimer, performing at various retirement parties, weddings and birthdays, much to the amusement and occasional dismay of their children and the Close family kids. 

“Take Five” became “Good News” when they travelled to St. Lucia in the early 1980s. Peggy and Chuck’s shared love for music and service took them to St. Lucia and their fondness for the island led them to establish the “Good News Project.” Beginning as a small St. James Parish project dedicated to providing medical care, building houses, teaching skills, and fostering friendships in the Caribbean, it is now an independent non-profit organization that also provides valuable services in Wausau. Peggy cherished the Good News friends she made in Wausau and in the Caribbean. The hundreds of volunteers who joined in service projects in St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada and Dominica all became “family”. Bishop Gabriel Malzaire has been part of this family since 1983 and will travel to Wausau for her funeral.

As a grandmother, Peggy’s legacy continues through her 14 grandchildren. She loved them all and found special joy in spending time with her daughters and granddaughters, enjoying “girls' days” filled with manicures, pedicures, cooking, puzzles and laughter.

Peggy MacCarthy will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Chuck, their children, beloved grandchildren and countless friends. As we gather to celebrate her life, we carry forward her loving spirit, ensuring her light shines brightly through the stories we tell and the love we share.

In honor of Peggy's remarkable life, we invite family and friends to share stories and celebrate her legacy. May her kindness inspire us and may the music she loved continue to play within our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Peggy.

To celebrate Peggy's life, Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Church of the Resurrection, 621 2nd Street, Wausau, WI 54403. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM and Music Prelude at 10:30 AM. A Remembrance Reception and Luncheon will be held at the Jefferson Street Inn, 201 Jefferson Street, Wausau, following the service.

Memorials in Peggy’s name may be directed to Good News Project, 1106 N 5th St, Wausau 54403.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Weston, is assisting Peggy's family. For future service announcements and to leave condolences, please visit www.ascendweston.org.