Barbara M. McCarthy

Barbara M. McCarthy, age 71, of Fairfield passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family Tuesday, January 7, 2025. She and her beloved husband, Thomas McCarthy had just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in November. Born in Bronxville, NY the daughter of C. Robert (Bob) Bruckmann of Bridgeport and the late Eleanor F. Bruckmann, who recently passed on October 24, 2024, she had been a lifelong Fairfield resident. She was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, received her undergraduate degree from Keene State College and her Masters and 6th Year Certificate in Education from Sacred Heart University. Barbara began her teaching career as a Special Education teacher at Fairfield Woods Elementary School. She went into banking and community relations for a period of time working at Citytrust Bancorp, but returned to teaching after the birth of two her daughters. She taught Pre-school, 5th and 6th grade at St. Thomas Aquinas School and later served there as the Assistant Principal. Barbara then went to work teaching 5th grade Science at Wilcoxson Public School in Stratford until retiring due to her illness. Barbara loved children and truly loved teaching. Her creativity, enthusiasm and love for her students made her the teacher everyone wanted. It was simply understood that Mrs. McCarthy was the “most fun teacher to have” and was beloved by all her students. Barbara loved staying active. She enjoyed playing tennis, going for walks, going skiing (when it was not too cold!) and spending time on the beach. She enjoyed a nice glass of wine and reading and she loved dogs. Most of all she cherished time with her family and friends.

 In addition to her loving husband Tom, she will be sadly missed by two beloved daughters, Meghan M. White and her husband Michael of Great Falls, VA and Erin M. McCarthy of Fairfield; three cherished grandchildren, Joseph, Eleanor and McCarthy (Mac) White; four beloved siblings, Anne French and her husband Glenn of Naugatuck, Joseph Bruckmann and his wife Gail of Shelton, Robert Bruckmann and his wife Anne of Salado, TX and Catherine Kallberg and her husband Don of Bethel and several loving nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1719 Post Road, Fairfield. Interment will be held privately. Friends may greet the family Monday from 4-8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield.