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Carolyn's obituary

Carolyn Christian Parese (66) passed away on May 12, 2024, after a 2-year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family, including her husband Steve, sons Forrest and Garrett Comartos, and siblings Carla Pack and Bill Christian. She will be forever remembered by her loving grandchildren Calla (9), Jude (8), Cleo (7), Clara (5), Sloan (4), and Lucy (3), her numerous friends, and her many nieces and nephews in NC, NY, OH, and PA.

Carolyn was born in Miami, FL on August 13, 1957, the youngest of four children. After moving to NC at the age of 21, she worked for two decades as a legal secretary for a number of Winston-Salem law firms. In 2005, she began managing the educational training firm she co-founded with her husband Steve. 

However, Carolyn was first and foremost a dedicated mother and grandmother whose children never doubted her love and devotion. She was a fiercely loyal friend, and had a gift for turning strangers into compatriots. She was a woman who believed in laughing loudly, speaking openly, and dancing freely.  For most of her life, Carolyn lived in Danbury, NC, in the 100-year-old home once owned by her grandmother. Being raised in Coral Gables, FL, however, her spirit was always drawn to the ocean; she and her family spent many summers vacationing in Holden Beach, Oak Island, North Topsail, and Duck. She loved growing colorful flowers, serving spectacular meals, playing card and board games, and watching shows like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Carolyn was a lifelong member of Danbury Community Church, a former member of Danbury Town Council, and a hospice volunteer. She made a lasting impact on the people in her life, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Carolyn’s immediate family will hold a private gathering to scatter her ashes, per her request. A fun-filled Celebration of Life for all those who loved Carolyn will be planned for Saturday, July 27, 2024 at the Apelskog residence near Madison, NC. Donations can be made in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a gift to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
$850.00
Raised by 8 people

Recent contributions

$300.00
Linda Ahlberg
$50.00
Carla Pack
$50.00
Mary Ellen Martin
See all contributionsRight arrow

Recent contributions

$300.00
Linda Ahlberg
$50.00
Carla Pack
$50.00
Mary Ellen Martin
See all contributionsRight arrow

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Carolyn Parese