JoAnn Marie McCarthy, 86, died peacefully on June 9th at Courville Nursing Facility surrounded by her loving family. She suffered a catastrophic stroke after a subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2018 in Fairport, New York. Ever since, she has resided at The Courville at Nashua, where she received wonderful and loving care. Many of the staff have known her for all eight years.
She was the beloved wife of the late Robert McCarthy who passed away in 1987 following 30 years in marriage.
JoAnn was born in Hornell, New York on November 12, 1939 and was the daughter of the late Juan (John) Orihuel and Thommasa (Grillo) Dake. She received her education in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School.
For more than 20 years, JoAnn proudly owned and operated the “Hair Zoo,” her beloved hair salon in Hornell. She enjoyed creating art with pencil, oil and ceramics. She was passionate about her work and dedicated to helping others look and feel their best. JoAnn treasured the relationships she built with her clients. She took great pride in serving her community and will be remembered for the joy, kindness, and friendship she shared with so many.
In her free time, JoAnn enjoyed cooking and spending countless hours playing cards with family and friends. She especially enjoyed playing in their monthly “Bunko” nights. She was an avid golfer who found great joy on the course and embraced every opportunity to enjoy the game. Her joy golfing was remembered as she would skip to the first tee box. A woman of many talents, JoAnn was proud to have published her own children’s books, “Three Spooks,” inspired by her three uncles. She also had a passion for acting and singing, performing whenever she could and even appearing as an extra on the popular show “Murder She Wrote,” as well as a Jim Belushi Movie.
JoAnn loved to be on the go, and explore new places, with Paris holding a special place in her heart. Above all else, she cherished the time she spent with her family. Her love for them was immeasurable, and the memories they shared together will remain a lasting source of comfort and joy.
She is survived by her two children, Kim Fitzpatrick and her husband Dr. Sean Fitzpatrick of Nashua, NH and Robert “Mike” McCarthy and his wife Joann of Charlottesville, VA; her grandchildren Samuel Sutcliffe, Andy Sutcliffe and his wife Olivia, and Chris Slater; and her great-grandchildren, Cyrus, Eli, and Jonah. She is also survived by her sister, Lucy Orihuel of Vero Beach, FL; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son, Gerald T. McCarthy and her sister Mary Ann Leon and her husband Earl.
At JoAnn’s request there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Family & friends are invited to attend a “Celebration of Life” on Friday, July 10, 2026 at from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell, NY. All are welcome.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
JoAnn’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or by visiting https://www.hornellanimalshelter.org/Donate
