Colleen McCarthy

Colleen J. McCarthy, 93, of Galena, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Midwest Senior Care Center. A funeral mass will be held at Noon on Monday, February 24, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may gather from 10 AM until the time of the mass. The burial will take place in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. Colleen was born on June 6, 1931, in Scales Mound, the daughter of George and Sophie (Stoffregen) Tranel. She married Edward “Bitsy” McCarthy on July 14, 1948, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena. He preceded her in death on January 14, 2016. In the early 1970s, Colleen returned to school, earning her GED in 1974 and obtaining a CNA certificate. She retired from Galena-Stauss Hospital in December 1993 after nearly 24 years of service as a CNA and Head of the Central Supply Department. Affectionately known as the “Energizer Bunny,” Colleen’s true love was her family and friends. Her kitchen was always filled with good food, exceptional cookies, and family devotion. She was a member of the Galena Elks Lodge and St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society. Colleen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all. She is survived by her seven children: Cynthia Hodnett and Michael (Joanne) McCarthy, both of Ramona, CA; Joyce (Alan) Merriman of Bluffs, IL; Donna Schleicher of Galena; Nancy (Frank) Schneider of San Carlos, CA; Cheryl (Ron Rodriguez) McCarthy of Pittsburg, CA; and James (Paula Shwaiko) McCarthy of Grayslake. Colleen is also survived by her sister-in-law, Sharon McCarthy; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, two sons-in-law, Ron Hodnett and David Schleicher, two brothers, Robert and LeRoy Tranel, and two sisters-in-law, Margaret and Marie Tranel. The family would like to express their gratitude to the remarkable and loving staff at Midwest Senior Care Center, Dr. Matt, the Midwest Hospital staff, and the Hospice of Dubuque for the compassionate care provided to Mom in her final days. Instead of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Midwest Senior Care Center or Hospice of Dubuque.