Dorothea Victoria McCarthy

Dorothea Victoria Pirus Baron McCarthy, age 98, of Frenchville, Town of Ettrick, WI went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, October 12, 2026, supported by her closeknit family, friends, and the compassionate care provided by the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse.

Almost a firecracker, Dorothea was born on July 3, 1928, in rural Medford, WI to George and Marie (Nozel) Pirus of Ukrainian descent. At the young age of 18 she was united in holy Christian marriage to Stanley Andrew Baron (Stan), shortly after Stan’s return home from serving overseas during WWII. The early years of their marriage were spent hard at work on the Baron family farms in Medford. Later they moved their growing family to Madison, where she served as a supervisor at Rayovac Corporation for over 20 years before accepting a bakery position at Gordon Commons, UW – Madison campus, where she flourished in a job she loved for 14 years. During her time in Madison, she made many cherished friendships, spending her Wednesday afternoons with her vibrant gal pals playing cards while swapping family stories and favorite recipes. Always a trailblazer, Dorothea was proud to be able to drive her friends between their homes for these gatherings back in those “good old days”. Friday nights with Stan and family were often spent enjoying fish fry, socializing, and playing cards at The Rustic in Madison.

After losing Stan to a heart attack in 1983, she pursued the companionship of a dear family friend, Robert L. McCarthy (Bob), with whom she happily united in marriage in a Las Vegas ceremony on May 24, 1991. Following her retirement from UW-Madison, she and Bob made their home in the town of Reedsburg, WI and enjoyed exploring nearly every U.S. state, eagerly seeking out garage sales, thrift stores, casinos and places of worship wherever their travels took them. During this time, Grandma Dorothea and Grandpa Bob were big supporters of their grandchildren’s many sports, musical, and dance events. They cherished these family times together. In addition, while Bob held leadership positions at the Madison and Reedsburg VFWs, Dorothea found great joy in supporting him while serving these worthy organizations. Shortly after celebrating Christmas in 2016, Dorothea once again found herself a widow, after 25 years of marital bliss, when Bob was suddenly taken from her following a short illness. As Dorothea would recall in later years, “You know, Bob and I never argued”.

She spent the last 10 years of her life sharing a home with her youngest son, Jim, and his loving wife, Michelle. Moving to “God’s Country” (the coulee region) in April of 2021, together they enjoyed their time gathered around the kitchen table, participating in worship services and fellowship at Bethel Lutheran Church (WELS), and eating out at local restaurants. Many memories were made sharing toasts to “the Three Amigos”, reflecting their close family bond. Known for her skill at playing cards, Dorothea was lovingly referred to as “Mama Card Shark” by her many euchre friends in the local area. Her last 6 months were spent in the sunshine of her creekside home with her favorite kitty by her side, broom in hand, experiencing the joy of tending to her abundant gardens.

She is survived by her loving family including sisters, Pauline, Kathy and Betty; her son, James “Jim” Baron (Michelle); daughter-in law, Mary Lou Baron (widow of son, Thomas Baron); grandchildren, Tommy Baron, Cammie (Clay), Mark Baron (Heather), Ryan Baron (Ari), Jay Baron (Destinee), and Natasha Baron; 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Helen, Irene, Evelyn, and Mary; brothers, Luke, Thomas, Tony, and Robert; sons, Thomas Baron and Wayne Baron.

Her family finds great comfort in the words of Dorothea’s favorite hymn, The Old Rugged Cross:

“So I'll cherish the old, rugged cross ‘til my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to the old, rugged cross and exchange it some day for a crown.”

A celebration of Dorothea’s life, including a “Mama Card Shark” euchre tournament, will be held in the Spring of 2027 (date TBD).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by dialing (800) 272-3900, or at the following link: https://Alzheimer's Association /get-involved-now/donate.