Obituary of Alison J. McCarthy

Alison "Ally" Helthaler McCarthy, much loved daughter of Jean Helthaler and the Late John Helthaler, passed away on June 29, 2014 after a nearly seven year battle with breast cancer. Alison's indomitable spirit proved stronger than her body. Her body succumbed, but her spirit lives on. Alison grew up in Wallington, NJ before moving with her family to Woodbourne, NY in 1980, attending Tri-Valley Central School where she was a star athlete in softball, basketball and soccer. After graduating she attended SUNY New Paltz, later marrying and having a daughter whom she adored. Alison was a fierce and determined competitor who showed great perseverance as a high school athlete and throughout her many years of playing on an adult softball league - up to and including the 2013 season. Alison loved her silver and turquoise jewelry, Americana crafts and decorations and all holidays that could possibly involve decorating her home - as well as shopping for all of the above. Alison will be greatly missed by her longtime companion, Chris Holmes, her mother Jean Helthaler, her ever-positive tireless advocated and daughter Ashley McCarthy and her daughters companion Alex Dudek, her brother Chris Helthaler and his wife Margaret Dunlop Helthaler, her nephew Gavin DuBois and her niece Julie Helthaler, her uncle Robert Helthaler and her aunt Lillie Helthaler, as well as cousins and friends who cared for her as a person and admired her spirit and will. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2014 at Grahamsville United Methodist Church State Route 55, Grahamsville, NY 12740 at 3:00pm. Pastor Peggy Ann Sauerhoff will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to spend time with your loved ones just sitting around talking about nothing in particular but enjoying each other's company. Arrangements were under the direction of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, for further information please call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialbryantfuneralhome.com.