Rose Mary Fadaol McCarthy

Rose Mary Fadaol McCarthy, age 93, returned home to her Heavenly Father on April 23rd, 2025.

Born on April 27, 1931, in Opelousas, Rose was a lifelong resident of the community she loved so dearly. A devout Catholic, she graduated from the Academy of the Immaculate Conception in 1948. She was a founding and active parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Her unwavering faith was a guiding force throughout her life, and she lived each day with grace, humility, and love for God.

Rose’s professional life was marked by dedication to excellence. She was the co-proprietor of The New Drug Store and Park Vista New Drug Store for many years, where she served her community with care and commitment. Later, she became a beloved sales associate at Olinde's Furniture Store, later Ashley Furniture, where she worked for an impressive 38 years. Known for her warmth and professionalism, Rose often achieved Top Salesperson status and proudly sold furniture to several generations of families throughout St. Landry Parish. She was a Member of the American Legion Auxiliary and received the Rotary International Paul Harris Award.

Rose always felt that her proudest and greatest accomplishments were her children. She will be forever missed and cherished by her three children: William (Billy), John McCarthy, Jr. and his wife, Lori (Lafayette); Dr. Michael (Mike) Patrick McCarthy (Baton Rouge); and Patricia (Pat) Ann McCarthy (Opelousas) and significant other, Tim Basile. She was the absolute best Maw Maw to her grandchildren: Sophia Rose McCarthy and Graham William McCarthy. She is also survived by her sister, Eleanor (Poochie) Lubecke, along with many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members who mourn her passing.

She is now reunited with her parents, Mary Marie Nassar Fadaol and Joseph Charles Fadaol, Sr., as well as her siblings: Joseph (Sam) Fadaol, Nicholas (Nick) Fadaol, William (Bill) Fadaol, Robert (Bobby) Fadaol, George Fadaol, Evelyn Fadaol Foret, Agnes Fadaol Kovach, Kathryn Amelia Fadaol, Dorothy (Ann) Fadaol Launey, and Victoria (Vickie) Fadaol Viator.

Rose’s passions were as vibrant as her spirit. She loved God’s gifts of animals. She treasured her beloved Yorkies, Sammie and Charlie; and her grand dog, Rosie. She was an avid bird lover who delighted in feeding them, especially her cardinals and hummingbirds. She encouraged her children to raise any animal they could care for responsibly. A true sports enthusiast, of every sport, she especially adored her New Orleans Saints. From attending their very first game in 1967 to enduring the infamous 'brown bag' years and finally celebrating their Super Bowl victory, Rose remained a loyal fan through it all.

Her kitchen was the heart of her home. Rose loved to cook and feed anyone who came through her door. Her specialty was traditional Lebanese dishes passed down through generations, but she also mastered local favorites like gumbo, etouffee and fried shrimp. Most Sundays, you could find her BBQ grilling whatever her family wanted to eat. These meals were more than food, they were moments that brought family together in laughter and love.

She showed up for every important moment in her grandchildren’s lives, cheering from the sidelines or babysitting with unmatched devotion. She always spoiled them with treats they didn’t get at home.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 on Monday, April 28, 2025, celebrated by The Very Reverend Monsignor Keith J. DeRouen at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church located at 2125 S. Union St., Opelousas, Louisiana 70570. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10:00 AM with a Rosary service at 10:30 AM led by Marie Leblanc. Rite of Committal and inurnment will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all of those who cared for Rose during her illness. They wish to especially thank the staff of Compassus Hospice for their kindness and tender care and to Tim Basile for his many acts of kindness.

Rose Mary McCarthy lived a life filled with love for God, for family, for community. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. May these memories bring comfort and peace to those whose lives she touched.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.