Carolyn Marie Ross, P. Eng.

May 24, 1942 – September 25, 2024

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Carolyn Marie Ross, at home in Oakville, on September 25, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Throughout her illness, Carolyn's radiant "million-dollar smile" and the twinkle in her eyes continued to touch everyone around her, even as the disease progressed. She will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, Anthony Nardocchio and Kathleen (Kay) Nardocchio (née Halloran), and her middle sister, Elaine. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 57 years, Peter, and her beloved daughters Tracy (Toronto) and Lindsey (Calgary). She is also survived by her younger sister Patricia (Halifax) and Pat's children Nadine, Tamara and Blair, her brother-in-law Charles Jones (Toronto), nephew Gavin Nardocchio-Jones (Maputo), and sons-in-law Bryan (Tracy) and Nelson (Lindsey). Carolyn cherished her role as grandmother to Andrew (12), Ashton (6), and Everett (4).

Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on May 24, 1942, Carolyn was the eldest of three daughters in a second-generation immigrant family. Her father was of Italian descent, and her mother was from Newfoundland before it joined Confederation. Carolyn's childhood was steeped in both Italian and Nova Scotian cultures, which she lovingly passed on to her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. She embraced Italian traditions, especially cooking, and she carried that passion for food and hospitality throughout her life.

Carolyn was a natural academic, always excelling in school. She graduated early from Holy Angels Convent high school and began attending St. Francis Xavier University at 16 years old, earning her diploma of engineering and a B.Sc. in 1962. She went on to become one of the few women pursuing engineering at that time and graduated with a B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Nova Scotia Technical College (now Dalhousie), graduating in 1964.

Carolyn's trailblazing career often included breaking through gender barriers in male-dominated fields. One summer, she was determined to work at a local steel plant, and after persistently showing up every day to request a meeting with the hiring manager, she finally secured a job. In another instance, she refused to accept that she couldn't be hired because there were no women's restrooms on-site and convinced management to find a solution. She even once admonished a recruiter about the lower salary offered compared to her male peers, a move that resulted in her receiving an offer of equal compensation.

After securing her Professional Engineering certification, and after completing her M.A. in Economics at Sir George Williams University (now Concordia), Carolyn joined Bell Canada in 1972. She retired as a Vice President after almost 30 years with the BCE Group of Companies including Bell Canada and Bell Mobility.

Carolyn and Peter were married in1967, the year of Montreal's World Expo, and Canada's Centennial. They built a vibrant life together first in Montreal, where they enjoyed participating in car rallies, regular skiing in the Laurentians, and sailing on Lake Saint Louis.

In 1976, Carolyn and Peter moved to Oakville, Ontario, with their young daughter Tracy, and soon after, Lindsey, their second daughter, was born. Carolyn's focus then expanded to supporting her daughters' lives and interests. She volunteered as a soccer coach, enthusiastically supported ballet, sailing and horseback riding activities, including spending hours at dance performances and horse shows. Carolyn was also an extraordinary seamstress, crafting clothes when her children were young and designing intricate Halloween costumes, from Princess Leia to a racing jockey, and even a cow costume.

Carolyn's love for animals was another defining aspect of her life. Her home was always filled with furry friends. She lovingly cared for her many cats and later her beloved dog Chloe, and then her excitable small poodle, Casey, with whom she trained and participated in dog agility.

The family's adventurous spirit extended into time spent traveling through Europe and sailing on Lake Ontario.  In retirement, Carolyn and Peter embarked on a major adventure by taking their trawler through the Inland Waterways of the U.S. to Florida and then the Bahamas, where they made their winter home for 15 years. The beginning of this journey was captured in Carolyn's travel writing about their boating adventures, fulfilling her lifelong dream of publishing her own book.

Her principles for life were as unwavering as her determination. Carolyn never apologized for who she was or what she wanted for herself or for her family. These philosophies guided her life and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and friends who supported Carolyn throughout her illness, from Thistlecreek, Able Living, Acclaim, and Paramed. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolyn's memory can be made to Patty's Place through Acclaim Health at www.acclaimhealth.ca/donate.

Friends and family are welcome to join an informal reception to celebrate Carolyn's life at Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home at 64 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville, ON on Thursday October 3rd from 2:00 to 4:30 pm.