Cheryl M. McCarthy

Cheryl Mae McCarthy, age 71 of South Bend, passed away at the Center for Hospice, Raclin House on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Cheryl was born on January 20, 1954, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Vernon and Esther Mae (Kreps) Batten. Cheryl was a graduate of Adams High School and later earned an associate’s degree from Southwestern Michigan College. On December 5, 1987, she married Chris McCarthy.

Chris survives, along with their children Krystal (Andrew) Fanin of South Bend and Frank (Jill) Holtsclaw of Mishawaka. Surviving as well are 14 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and 2 more great grandchildren who will be born later this year. She is also survived by her brother, Terry Batten of Niles, Michigan. Preceding her in death were her children, Kathryne Elaine “Katie” Vigansky, her son William “Billy” Holtsclaw and her brother Dennis Batten. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend, and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.

Cheryl had a big heart and spent her life taking care of others. She loved her dogs, Ellie and Daisy, like they were family. She had a great sense of humor, and her smile could brighten anyone’s day. Cheryl was protective of her family and always put them first, especially her grandchildren who were the most important part of her world.

She was one of the hardest working people you could ever meet and liked to stay busy. She worked for many years as a certified medical assistant at Memorial Hospital before retiring in 2014.

Cheryl was an amazing cook, and her kitchen was the place where everyone wanted to be. Her homemade noodles, lasagna, meatloaf, and chicken and dumplings were family favorites, and she made sure no one ever left her house hungry.

When her boys were little, Cheryl loved doing ceramics classes with them. It was a simple thing, but it meant a lot to her and made some great memories along the way. Cheryl had a way of making people feel cared for, and she’ll be remembered for her kindness, her laugh, and how much she loved her family.

In honor of her, donations can be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana, 46545. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Cheryl’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.

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