Patricia "Tricia" McCarthy

Patricia Marie McCarthy, 67, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026 after a brief illness, surrounded by her family and others she loved just as dearly. She was a devoted mother and grandmother; a loving aunt, godmother, sister and cousin; and a cherished friend to many.

Patricia – known to everyone as ‘Tricia’ – was born on September 13, 1958 in Lansing, MI to Daniel (Pat) and Mary McCarthy. A proud Michigander, she spent most of her life in Lansing and it is where she raised ‘her boys’. For a brief period, she lived with her family in Coleraine, Northern Ireland – an experience she still found deeply rewarding decades later. Upon her return she held a variety of jobs and in the later stages of her career worked with the Michigan chapter of the National Association of Social Workers – an organization whose mission and people were meaningful to her. In everything she did, personal or professional, her work ethic was plainly evident. She set the standard for working mothers, stretching pennies with aplomb and often with a sense of humor. Yet she was never too busy to be involved in her community, volunteering for causes she thought were important. She found just as much meaning in her life outside of work – as a mother and homemaker, daughter and caretaker, friend and ally.

She was a creative person with eclectic tastes and appreciated peculiar things, especially giving kitschy cards and gifts to people for a laugh. She was a gracious host and phenomenal cook, with a knack for elevating gatherings with little touches that were never pretentious. The crafts she made for people’s Christmas gifts and her Chex Mix each had a cult following. Tricia celebrated the differences in people and so many of the things she enjoyed were about supporting someone else in their own passions – particularly taking an interest in the music and art of those close to her. She was a voracious reader and loved following all things politics. She was a great listener and could always be counted on to pick up the phone when you needed to talk.

Tricia was an unflinchingly loyal person: a rock to her family and friends, though God help you if you ever got on the wrong side of her. She valued authenticity and loved people for who they were. Tricia cared deeply about social equity and sticking up for the little guy. She lived her values far more than she preached them and would be the first one to open her heart, her home or her checkbook whenever she thought someone could use the help.

Tricia is survived by her two sons, Rob and Chris Byerly; her grandchildren, Kristina and Nick Byerly; her sister Liz and sister-in-law Donna (Tim); and numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren and extended family members she loved just as much. She is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Dan, Tim and Bridget.

A remembrance and celebration of her life is being planned for later this fall. Details on the date, time and location will be shared as soon as they're finalized. In the meantime, the family welcomes your memories and extends its gratitude for the overwhelming messages of support.