Gwendolyn Sue McCarthy

Gwendolyn Sue McCarthy, 73, of Mahwah, NJ. passed away on Wednesday, September 4,2024 surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Gwen settled in Mahwah many years ago.

Formerly a teacher and college professor. Gwen served as clerk and administrative roles for Upper Saddle River and Allendale for over 20 years. She retired in 2013 from her position as Borough Adminintrator for the Allendale municipality after 13 years of service. 

Gwen had a passion and sense of fulfillment for holistic healing and volunteering. She became a Reiki Master, yoga instructor and published author. She was especially proud to impart her personal journey in her book "52 Weeks of Yoga". At the Valley and Hackensack hospitals she was dedicated to supporting others in their healing and recovery process offering strength and renewal through the power of yoga to women recovering from breast cancer.

In addition to her charitable work, she was a member of the Borough Clerks and Administrators Association of New Jersey and the Professional Yoga Association.

Gwen will be remembered for her practices of holistic healing, mindfulness, and guiding individuals to their journey on physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

Beloved wife of Alvin McCarthy. Cherished mother of Stephen Gabbert, Matthew Gabbert and his wife Mindy, Alicia Gabbert, Jessica Garofano and her husband Robert, Rachelle Cashen and her husband Mick, Michael McCarthy and his wife Alisa, and Karen Colfax and her late husband Kenneth.

Dear friend of Miriam McCarthy and Kenneth Gabbert. Also survived by 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, September 8, 2024, 2-5pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481. A funeral service is planned for Monday, September 9, 2024, 10:30am at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Reedemer Cemetery, Mahwah.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Gwen can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering  mskcc.org

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