Karisha Janae McCarthy

Our beautiful and beloved Karisha Janae McCarthy passed from this life peacefully on Wednesday, September 13, and left years of pain and suffering behind to find her much deserved joy and happiness with loved ones and the Lord. She is free from the illness and struggles she endured so gracefully, while always managing to find a smile for everyone. Karisha will always be remembered as a caring, sweet, and amazingly smart woman whose loveliness was matched only by her passion and convictions. We will carry her in our hearts until we are with her once again, and can hold her in our arms forever. Karisha was born on October 4, 1978 in Adrian, Michigan, the youngest child of Clippert and Kathy (Merillat) Connin. She graduated from Adrian High School in 1996, and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in information technology. On October 22, 2005, Karisha married her soulmate Tony McCarthy. Together, they lived a life of unconditional love and unbreakable commitment, and raised two wonderful children, son Kristos and daughter Kolya. Theirs is love story like no other. Karisha made a habit out of hard work, exceeding expectations and helping others wherever she went or worked. She was a shining star with a soft soul and fierce spirit. She was a true blessing to the lives of all who knew and loved her. Karisha loved spending time with her loved ones, exploring the outdoors, and enjoyed many cherished adventures and experiences from sea to sea. She could spend hours hiking to waterfalls, walking beaches looking for interesting or pretty stones, and anything else involving appreciating nature with her family. Thousands of photos will always remind us of the many wonderful times with her in many magnificent places. In addition to her husband and children, Karisha is survived by her parents, Kathy (Merillat) and Clippert Connin, step-parents Aram Chooljian and Darlene Connin, brothers Kip (Jana) Connin and Chip (Cassie) Connin, maternal grandmother, Nina Merillat, paternal grandmother, Kathryn Connin, uncles, Carl Connin, Chris Connin and Robert Connin, nephews, Kaden, Keegan, Chase and Carter. In-laws, Carol McCarthy (Tom Allen), Don McCarthy, Michael (Brenda) Velandra, sisters in-law Deana Velandra and Patience McCarthy, brothers in-law Kevin (Cathy) McCarthy and Kirk (Jackie) McCarthy. Karisha was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Kenneth Merillat, paternal grandfather Robert Connin, uncle, Kenneth E Merillat, aunt, Karen Merillat, cousins, Kayleen and Kendra Merillat, and Ian Connin. A celebration of Karisha's life will take place on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 12pm at West Adrian Community Church with Rev. Doug Van Doren officiating. Visitation will be held from 11am until the start of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with expenses and future designation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian, where online condolences and memories may be shared at: www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com

Karisha Janae McCarthy

October 4, 1978 - September 13, 2023