Linda J. McCarthy

AUBURN – Linda J. “Sissi” (Ducas) McCarthy, 70, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023, in her home with her family by her side after a long illness.

She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Jane and Peter Ducas.  She leaves her beloved sons, Christopher Balser of Franklin, and Jesse Balser of Georgia; her husband, Robert of Auburn; three grandchildren, Allyson, Maddyson, and Tyler; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  She also leaves three sisters, Donna DuVarney, Diane Plouffe, and June Snyder; along with three brothers, Joseph Ducas, James Ducas, and George Ducas.

She worked at Widoff’s Bakery for many years after working at the El Morraco Restaurant.  Her true passion was working as a certified home health aide for many years prior to her retirement.  She enjoyed the ocean, seashells, planting flowers, all kinds of crafts, and most of all, helping people.

She was predeceased by her mother Jane, her father Peter, and her beloved dog, Snowball.

The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice, and the nurses and aides from Memorial Hospital 5-South, for the exceptional care given to Linda during her illness.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at St. John’s Church, 44 Temple St., Worcester.  Those attending are respectfully requested to meet directly at the church. Entombment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Worcester.  Calling hours are Wednesday, December 20, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or to American Liver Foundation-New England Division, 188 Needham St., Suite 240, Newton, MA 02464, or to the M.S.P.C.A., 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.