Sharon Marie McCarthy, 74, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, August 4, 2025,  at her home.

Visitation for Sharon will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, August 8, 2025 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa , where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the funeral home.

Services for Sharon will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington, Iowa, with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding.  Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.  Please wear bright attire to the services per Sharon’s request.

She was born December 30, 1950 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Carl and Gertrude Hittenmiller.  Sharon grew up in Dubuque, IA and attended Wahlert Catholic High School. After graduation, Sharon joined the Dominics, where she met Edward Lee McCarthy. They would marry on May 6, 1978.  Sharon was heavily involved in CEW and remained close to Christ throughout her entire life. Sharon would become a mother for the first time to Brian Edward McCarthy on September 10 , 1980. Sharon and Ed would have their second child, Mary Elizabeth McCarthy (Finzel), on December 11, 1986.

Sharon was always involved in child development. Whether it was babysitting, teaching CCD, or the years she spent being a teachers associate for both Dubuque Community School and Western Dubuque Community School Districts. She always spoke kindly of the kids she helped teach and tutor. She made a lasting impact on many of their lives. Thank you to all the teachers she worked with. She spoke highly of all of you and truly loved her job.

If you ever received a hug from Sharon, you would not forget it. Whether she knew you your whole life or for 10 minutes, you received the same huge hug as if you were family.

Her smile would light up a room and everyone was drawn to her.  Sharon was a loyal Wife, loving Mother, and nurturing Grandmother.  She loved nothing more than spending time with her Grandchildren.

Sharon is survived by her Husband, Edward McCarthy of Cascade, IA. Her Sister, Shirley Blong of Hazel Green, WI. Her two children and their spouses, Brian Edward McCarthy (Michell) of Petersburg, MI. and Mary Elizabeth Finzel (Brandon Finzel) of Cascade, IA. Most importantly her two grandchildren, Belle and Dean Finzel (her little munchkins).

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, her father and mother in-law Loras and Isabelle McCarthy, her 3 brothers, Jerry Basinet, David Hittenmiller Sr., Gary Hittenmiller and her brother and sister in-law Donald McCarthy Sr., and Sandy McCarthy.

A video tribute may be viewed and Online condolences may be left for the family at www.reifffunerlahomeinc.com