Laura McCarthy, a devoted lacrosse official and driving force behind the sport’s growth in northern New Jersey, died Nov. 14 after a bout with cancer. She was 58.

McCarthy, a high school and college official, served on the board of the New Jersey North Chapter of US Lacrosse. She led efforts to recruit and train officials locally for the Jersey Girls’ Lacrosse Association and nationally as a Super Region III (Upper Atlantic) chair and administrator. McCarthy also was a coach and a founding member of the Caldwell (N.J.) Lacrosse Club.

“She ran an amazing youth officials program. She worked tirelessly to recruit and train officials. She totally supported US Lacrosse in everything she did,” said Andi O’Connor, senior manager for the Eastern Mid-Atlantic Region at US Lacrosse. “I will miss her positive influence and wonderful spirit.”

McCarthy, of West Caldwell, N.J., is survived by her husband, Joseph, her children, Patricia, Erin and Danny, and three grandchildren. Memorial services were held Friday at O’Boyle Funeral Home in Bloomfield, N.J.