Anne McCarren
Anne Elizabeth (McNallen) McCarren, 90, passed away on Dec. 10, 2020, at her home surrounded by family.
Born July 26, 1930, to John M. and Margaret (Diskin) McNallen, Anne spent her childhood in Chicora.
She attended Allegheny General Hospital School of Nursing and was employed by Butler Memorial Hospital as a registered nurse and nursing supervisor for over 42 years. In 1977, after completing an additional 10-month training program, she became the first certified nurse practitioner to serve the emergency department at BMH. She was beloved by her colleagues. Her compassion, steadiness, acuity, and good nature inspired and healed many in our community.
Anne married Joseph V. McCarren Jr. on Aug. 9, 1952, instantly becoming a mother to Joseph III and Daniel, Joseph Jr’s two young children from a previous marriage. They went on to have four more children, Sue, Michael, Mary, and Teresa. In 1954, Anne and Joe moved the family into a new home on Crestmont Drive in Penn Township, which was to become the family homestead. It was here that Anne and her family built lasting relationships with neighbors and extended family members, thus ensuring that life was never quiet.
Anne loved sharing meals and connecting with people. Her prized ritual was hosting Sunday dinners and birthday celebrations for her children and grandchildren; never herself quite sitting down to eat the sumptuous meals. She had a great sense of style and did not hesitate to offer her frank opinion when it was needed. Anne was a longtime member of Holy Sepulcher Roman Catholic Parish. She worked as an election poll worker for years and never missed an opportunity to vote. Sociable and charming, she made friends wherever she went.
Anne is survived by her children and their spouses, Joseph V. (Valerie) McCarren III of Butler, Daniel (Barbara) McCarren of Navarre, Fla., Sue Anne Heathcote of Butler, Michael (Nancy) McCarren of Butler, Mary Ellen DeFelice of Butler, Teresa (William) Moretti of Gibsonia; and a sister, Patricia (William) Ashbaugh of Butler. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, Sarah (Brian Lowman) McCarren, Matthew (Jennifer) McCarren, Stephanie (William) Shaffer, Jessica Heathcote, Hilary (Brian Weiser) McCarren, Dana McCarren, Maura (Nicholas) Stehle, Rachel McCarren, Van McCarren, William Moretti, Megan Moretti, Shannon McCarren, Logan DeFelice, and Caitlin DeFelice; and six great-grandchildren, Walker McCarren, Livia McCarren, Rocco Shaffer, Romy Shaffer, Kane Stehle, and Felix McCarren Weiser; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Her husband, Joseph V. McCarren, Jr., preceded her in death on Aug. 28, 2000. Her siblings, Paul Rabbitt, John E. McNallen, William McNallen, Mary Catherine Foley, and Margaret L. McNallen also preceded her in death.
McCarren — A private funeral Mass for Anne Elizabeth (McNallen) McCarren, who died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, will be held at Holy Sepulcher Church.
Internment will take place at St. John’s Cemetery in Coylesville.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local food pantry, Good Samaritan Hospice, or send a note of appreciation to a friend with her spirit in mind.
Arrangements are under the direction of Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler
For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.
