Barbara J. Mccarthy

Barbara J. McCarthy, 78, of Taos, passed away June 4, 2016. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, she was born and raised in Taos. After graduating from Highlands University, she taught in the Taos schools prior to opening the Old Mexico Shop with her husband, Tom. This was the first of six businesses they would later own, with the latest venture being Casa Benavides Inn, which was established 28 years ago. She was an exquisite beauty, surpassed only by her kindness and generosity to others. She was a friend and mentor to countless young women, many of whom thought of her as their second mother. Her compassion for the elderly and those less fortunate has been an inspiration to those close to her. When she walked into a room, her larger than life personality, charm, and wit would captivate all. A friend recently wrote, "I will miss her positive energy, infectious spirit, deep love for her husband, and her selfless contributions to so many. We will all miss her". She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlos and Ruth (Matteson) Benavides, siblings Gail Hartley, Jan Maestas, Charles, Jimmy, and Michael Benavides, and infant son, Kevin. She is survived by her husband, Tom McCarthy, children Dr. Tom McCarthy, Jr.(Shawn), Ruthann McCarthy, Jason McCarthy (Nicole), grandsons, Adam (Chantille) and Ryan McCarthy, Travis and Daniel Goddard, many other relatives and friends. Rosary was recited on June 23, 2016. Funeral mass was held on June 24, 2016. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held at the Sierra Vista Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, or Mountain Home Health Care. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home.This obituary is protected by copyright laws, unauthorized use or duplication is prohibited.