Elizabeth Esther McCann McCarthy, 99, known lovingly as Betty, passed away on July 29,2026 after a short illness. She was born on April 15, 1927, to Mary Finnegan McCann and James McCann in Manchester, Connecticut, where she spent her entire life and touched countless hearts along the way. 

Betty grew up on the family farm, the land now known as McCann Drive in Manchester. She went on to work as a bookkeeper for Andrew Ansaldi before stepping into the role she cherished most, becoming a mother. Later, she found her calling working with children and families as a paraprofessional for the Manchester Public Schools HeadStart early learning program, where she served for many years before becoming their Parent Coordinator. 

On June 18, 1949, Betty married Francis J. McCarthy, beginning a partnership rooted in love, service, and shared devotion. Together they were faithful members of The Salvation Army and later Trinity Covenant Church in Manchester, where they led Sunday School classes, youth groups, and countless other programs that shaped the lives of young people in their community. 

Betty was kind, generous, compassionate, and fiercely independent. She was a wonderful painter and crafter whose creations found their way into the homes of many grateful friends and family members, something that gave her tremendous joy. She also stayed remarkably active, exercising faithfully at home and at Cardio Express well into her 90s. 

Above all else, Betty's faith in God was the foundation of her life. She shared that faith not through grand gestures, but through loving acts of kindness extended to family, friends, and even strangers throughout her long and beautiful life. She sent countless letters and cards to encourage others, continuing this personal ministry into her 90s. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved unconditionally and supported each member of her family with unwavering devotion. Her life was a living testimony to the grace she held so dear. 

Betty is survived by her daughters, Mary Rosa and Donna Watson; and son-in-law Alan Watson. Her granddaughters; Alissa Watson, Chelsey Watson Burgess (Evan), Erin Rosa Basini (Eric), Elise Rosa and her great grandson; Roman Burgess. She was predeceased by her son-in-law Christopher Rosa. 

Calling Hours will be held on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home, located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT from 4pm till 7pm. A Celebration of Life will take place at Trinity Covenant Church at a later date. Betty's family invites all who knew and loved her to join in honoring a life so beautifully and faithfully lived. Donations may be made to Trinity Covenant Church 302 Hackmatack St. Manchester, CT or UR Community Cares (services for the blind) 153 Spruce Street Manchester, CT. We would like to thank Hartford Healthcare Hospice of Vernon for their loving care, especially Diane and Jill. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com