Amy McCarty

Amy Elizabeth McCarty, 57, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026, at her home in Chicago, Illinois, with her family by her side. Amy was a bright light to all who knew her, with an infectious laugh, fun and adventurous spirit, and compassionate and open heart. She was a person who showed up for her people, making those around her feel special, supported, and loved wholeheartedly. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Amy attended college at the University of Michigan and law school at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Amy was proud to be an attorney, devoting her legal practice to helping children and people with disabilities who found themselves at the center of difficult, often heartbreaking, circumstances. She began her career as an assistant public guardian, where she served as a guardian ad litem for abused, neglected, and dependent minors and as a representative of the estates of adults with disabilities. She later became a partner at Monahan Law Group, where she successfully litigated hundreds of cases on behalf of the elderly and people with disabilities in complex financial exploitation and abuse/neglect matters. Known by all on the 18th Floor of the Daley Center, Amy was a beloved member of the probate community, with her high heels and one-of-a-kind voice, a familiar presence for over twenty-five years. Amy was a tireless advocate, continually applying her knowledge and energy to give back to her community. She served as President of the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels, where she spearheaded projects promoting the organization’s mission to eliminate hunger and isolation for Chicago’s homebound seniors and people with disabilities. She served on the Board of Directors for Greenlight Family Services, which provides adoption, counseling, and legal services to thousands of families across Illinois. She also volunteered for the Misericordia Home, a longstanding Chicago institution that provides a continuum of care and support opportunities for individuals with profound disabilities. Amy was an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law for many years and mentored dozens of attorneys throughout her career, teaching them to practice with integrity and compassion. While achieving so much professionally, above all, Amy was proud to be a mother to her two daughters, Amelia and Frances, whom she shared with her husband, Tim. She has given her girls, as well as all those who were fortunate to know her, the ultimate example of living life to its fullest. Amy was the heartbeat of her family, her firm, and her friends, and she will forever be honored and remembered for all she meant to so many. She is survived by her parents, David and Christine McCarty, siblings David McCarty, Susan Dechant, Michael (Amber Halaka) McCarty, Melina (John Bishop) McCarty Bishop, Steven (Jessica) McCarty, Alex Grigsby McCarty, Sister-in-law Elizabeth McCarty, In-laws Anne (Jayson) Pippin, Cathy Mikesell, Sabrina Mikesell, Elizabeth (Robert) Taylor, John (Mary) Mikesell, Joseph (Mariz) Mikesell, Mary (Jamie) Cianfarani, many beloved nieces and nephews. Recently preceded in death by George Mikesell and Charlie Mikesell. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be given in honor of Amy to: Meals on Wheels Chicago (mealsonwheelschicago.org), Misericordia Heart of Mercy (support.misericordia.com), Greenlight Family Services (greenlightfamilyservices.org) or a charity of your choosing. Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 2:00pm at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Amy McCarty

January 10, 1969 - January 11, 2026