May 3, 1962 – July 31, 2026
With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Lia McCarthy deNey, who passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. She was 64.
Lia McCarthy deNey
Born on May 3, 1962, in Boxford, Massachusetts, Lia was the beloved daughter of Cornelius Joseph and Alice McCarthy. She attended The Governor’s Academy before continuing her education at Ohio Wesleyan University, where she formed lifelong friendships and began building the life that reflected her intelligence, warmth, and determination.
Lia was a woman whose grace and generous heart left an unforgettable mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. With an infectious smile and an extraordinary gift for making people feel welcomed and loved, Lia warmed every room she entered.
Above all else, Lia’s greatest joy was her family. She was the devoted wife and best friend of her husband, Richard. Through every season of life, they stood side by side, and in her final journey Richard remained her constant source of strength, caring for her with love and selfless devotion.
Lia and Richard made their home in New Canaan, Connecticut, where they raised Nathalie, Julia, and Sam, who were the center of her world. She celebrated every milestone, offered comfort through every challenge, and loved her children unconditionally. Becoming “Nana” to her beloved grandson, Finn, brought her immeasurable happiness and was one of the greatest blessings of her life.
A woman of faith, Lia was an active member of St. Mark’s Church, where she found friendship and a caring community. Her generous spirit touched the lives of many, both within the church and beyond.
Lia had a remarkable gift for making ordinary moments feel extraordinary. Whether through creating Christmas card trains every Christmas Eve, matching embroidered holiday pajamas, or building drizzle castles on the beach, she created traditions that became treasured family memories. She had an incredible eye for beauty and a wonderful sense of style. Anyone who knew Lia knew that no one could make a bed quite like she could.
Her kindness extended far beyond her family. Lia was a loyal friend who always showed up for the people she loved with a listening ear, thoughtful encouragement, and quiet acts of generosity that often went unseen. She gave freely of herself without ever expecting anything in return, and her friendships became lifelong bonds built on love, trust, and compassion.
Professionally, Lia built a respected career in private banking and investment management, including her years with Williams Jones Wealth Management, where she was known for her professionalism, integrity, and genuine care for the people she worked with.
She also found great fulfillment in giving back to her community. Lia devoted many years of dedicated service to the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross, where she served on the Board of Directors and chaired more than one Red and White Ball, the organization’s annual fund-raising gala. As recognition for her many years of support, Lia was awarded the John W Shephard Award in recognition of excellence and outstanding service.
Lia is predeceased by her father, Cornelius Joseph McCarthy, and her stepson, Alexander deNey. She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard; her beloved children, Nathalie Rhoads, Julia deNey, and Sam deNey; her son-in-law, Sam Rhoads; her treasured grandson, Finn Rhoads; her stepchildren, Laura deNey, Aimee deNey, and Victoria deNey; her mother, Alice McCarthy; her siblings, George McCarthy and Evelyn McCarthy Cole, and her much-loved aunts and uncles, Daniel and Bitti Murphy, Kathy Gutting and David Fessler, David and Gale Kunkel, Evelyn Murphy, and David Murphy and Chris Strong; and countless dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love and friendship.
Although her family is heartbroken by her loss, they find comfort in knowing that Lia’s love, kindness, and beautiful spirit will continue to live on in the people she touched. Her legacy is one of generosity, compassion, and strength.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary doctors, nurses, and support staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for the exceptional care, compassion, and dignity they provided throughout Lia’s journey.
A celebration of Lia’s life will be held on August 15th, 2026, at 11 am at St. Mark’s Church located at 111 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840. Reception to follow at 19 Fable Farm Road, New Canaan, CT 06840.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Cornelia “Lia” McCarthy deNey’s name to support Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Support Care Team. They were an incredible comfort to Lia and her family in her final days, always going above and beyond for everyone’s emotional and physical comfort.
Attn: Madison Wanamaker
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Office of Development
PO Box 27106
New York, NY 10087
Please indicate on the memo line that the gift is in memory of Cornelia “Lia” McCarthy DeNey.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day—in the love they gave, the lives they touched, and the memories that will forever remain in our hearts.”
— Helen Keller