Carole Christine Crotty

We are heartbroken to share that Carole Christine (Wesp) Crotty, 88, the heart of the “Crotty Crew”, passed away on December 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of her children. Her greatest joy and achievement was her large, close-knit family. Her love was expressed through the time she spent with them, the example she provided, and the joy she found in gathering together.

Carole was born on January 18, 1937 in Buffalo, New York. While life took her from New York, to Indiana, to Virginia, she spent her final years living in North Carolina near several of her children providing love and support to their families. Throughout her well-lived life, she was a Girl Scout and troop leader, a synchronized swimmer and aquatics instructor, the director of two YWCA branches, a church president, and owner and managing partner of an advertising agency. She particularly enjoyed traveling for work and with her family and friends.

As a mother of six, grandmother of eleven, and great-grandmother of six, Carole was the essence and core of the Crotty family. Her home was the place for birthday dinners, holiday celebrations, and impromptu family gatherings. She was an avid Bridge player with a keen mind and a passion for board games with the family, word puzzles and trivia, and the game show, Jeopardy. Carole enjoyed theater, especially musicals, and was always quick to join in the singing of a show tune, camp song, or church hymn. Carole’s warm presence and caring nature left an undeniable mark on all who knew her. Friends describe her as smart, generous, kind, and a woman with gumption.

Carole was predeceased by her beloved husband Micheal Carl Crotty, She is survived by her children Bonnie (Jeffrey) Nelson, Donna (Joseph) Williams, Micheal (Sheri) Crotty, Daniel (Sherri) Crotty, Carole (Mark) Bruhn, and David Crotty (Nikki Swan); her grandchildren Josalyn Williams, Patrick Williams, Matthew Nelson, Gregory Williams, Ryan Crotty, Maggie Crotty, Micheal Crotty, Jennifer Nelson, Christopher Crotty, Virginia Bruhn, and Thomas Bruhn; and her great-grandchildren Connor, John, Sadie, Bridget, Levi, and Liam.

Carole’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 5 pm on January 18, 2026 at the Community Church of Chapel Hill Unitarian Universalist, followed by a reception. Family and friends are invited to join us to share memories of Carole and her life of love and laughter. Donations in her honor can be made to the Chalice Fund at the Community Church or to the Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines.