Carol Ann (McCarthy) Larkin

Carol Ann (McCarthy) Larkin, born on April 15, 1940, in Salem, Massachusetts to Violet R. (Levesque) McCarthy and Elwin F. McCarthy passed away peacefully on July 11, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Carol was 84 years old.

Carol dedicated her life to caring for others as a registered nurse. She graduated from Beverly Hospital School of Nursing in 1964. Her compassion, skill, and dedication to her patients were evident throughout her long career. She was not only a caregiver but also a mentor and friend to many of her colleagues.

Carol was the beloved wife of Walter J. Larkin. They met 60 years ago on a blind date and the rest is history. Together, they raised five beautiful children who were the center of Carol’s world. She took immense pride in her children and was a constant source of love, support, humor and inspiration to them. Her family extended to seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her great joy and fulfillment.

Mum’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her professional life. She was known for her warm loving smile, welcoming home, and her love of cooking (apple pies and trues-ne-pats). She was a social butterfly and loved a party. Mum was passionate about butter and she passed this passion to her children! Friday pizza nights were her favorite time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Carol’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and kindness. She will be remembered for her unwavering strength, her enormously generous heart, and the profound impact she had on the lives of her family and those she cared for. She is survived by her husband Walter Larkin, of Pepperell, MA; her daughter Jewelie Lewis and son-in-law John Lewis, of Brookline, NH; daughter Mary Guarino, of Venice, FL; daughter Susan McCarthy and son-in-law Mark McCarthy, of Pepperell, MA, and her “ONLY” son Basil Larkin and daughter-in-law Marcia Larkin, of Redondo Beach, CA; and the baby of the family, Sarah Bauch and son-in-law Paul Bauch, of Pepperell, MA; and of course her gorgeous 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Carol is predeceased by her brother, Joseph Clark McCarthy, MD of California and aunt May Pritchard of Florida. 

Visiting hours will be held in the McGaffigan Family Funeral Home, 37 Main St. (Rte. 113) Pepperell, MA on Tuesday, July 16th from 4 – 8 pm. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Carol’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Parish at St. Joseph Church, 28 Tarbell St., Pepperell, MA on Wednesday, July 17th at 10 am. Burial will be private.

Our Mum loved flowers and of course her signature color was pink so that is our theme. Otherwise, just stop by and help us celebrate our amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.



Arrangements by McGaffigan Family Funeral Home, Pepperell.