Susan McCarthy
Susan Elizabeth McCarthy, 70, of Lynden, WA died peacefully on Sunday June 8th, 2025, at Whatcom Hospice House surrounded by her family. Susan was born on May 14, 1955, in Chicago Heights, Illinois to Robert and Lois Paulsen. She spent her early childhood years in Crown Point Indiana before moving to Southern California where her father purchased and operated a dry-cleaning plant in Pasadena. The family lived in Covina, California, where Susan graduated from Royal Oak High School. She began her college years at Cal Poly, Pomona and graduated with honors from Azusa Pacific College receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Through additional continuing education she became an ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner). During college she met her future husband George McCarthy and upon graduation the two were married in 1978. They moved to Bellingham, Washington in 1979 where they celebrated their 1st Anniversary. They later raised two daughters, Brenna and Michelle before moving to Lynden, Washington where both girls graduated from Lynden High School.
Susan spent many years working at Whatcom Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic where she worked with an underserved sector of the community, the severely mentally ill.
Susan used her creative talents in many areas that included sewing, quilting and gardening. She also enjoyed life outdoors in her beautiful garden and never turned down an opportunity to explore nurseries. Her motto was “there is always room for one more flower, shrub, bush or tree.” She also had a passion for decorating the house for every season of the year. The garage was never large enough to park the Jeep but had just enough space for all the totes full of household decorations. She especially loved the great outdoors and always looked forward to a couple road trips every year to explore the National Parks.
Her love for her Lord and King, Jesus, was her North Star that guided her through her life since she was a young teenager. She always made time daily to devote to Bible reading that was nourishment to her soul that sustained her through the demands of life. It became her daily medicine in her 20-year battle with cancer and MS that strengthened and encouraged her to fight for joy despite the hardships she faced.
Susan is survived by her husband George, daughter Brenna McCarthy (sons Jude and Lochlan Birtwistle) & daughter Michelle McCarthy. Her siblings Gary Paulsen (Dorothy), Jan Opsvig (Todd) and many nieces and nephews.
Charitable donations to honor Susan may be made to Whatcom Hospice House.
Susan’s memorial service will be held Thursday, June 19th at 1:00 p.m. at Cornwall Church in the Loft in Bellingham. Reception to follow.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.