Jennifer McCarthy

Jennifer McCarthy died at her home Oct 1, 2023. Born in Joliet April 2, 1963 to Jerry Bush Sr. and Susan (Cullen) Bush, she was a St. Francis Academy graduate, earning her bachelor's degree in Social Work at St. Francis college, and her Master's degree in Criminal/Social Justice from Lewis University.

She worked for a time as a crisis counselor at St. Joesph hospital, and was a case worker for DCFS for a number of years.

She began working for Cornerstone Services as a Service Access Manager on March 17th 2003. She said St. Patrick's Day was the perfect start date for a red headed Irish girl! She left Cornerstone in 2015, when health issues dictated that she had to retire from the workforce.

While she relished the years she spent involved in social work, her favorite titles were "Mom" and "Granny". Her true passions were her family and Interior Design. Not a single room in her home was ever allowed to remain the same for more than two years. She was an inveterate crafter, constantly finding unique items to repurpose or refinish.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jerry Bush Sr. and her beloved grandmother, Viola Cullen. She is survived by her children: Ian (Elissa) McCarthy, Hanna (Brandon) Malm, and Colin McCarthy; her partner, Tim McCarthy and a granddaughter, Ailish McCarthy; her mother, Susan Carlton and siblings, Joletta (Raymond) Hyder, Jessica (Robin) McCarthy, and Jerry Bush Jr.

Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers this gofundme has been created and any funds will be held in trust to support Jennifer's disabled granddaughter, Ailish. My mom wanted everything she left behind to support Ailish. As her other children are "grown adults who can look after themselves."

EDIT: My mom's creamation is not contingent on the success of this fundraiser.