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Susan McGrath Carroll passed away peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2020, at age 63. Her family believes she chose Valentine’s Day to rejoin her beloved husband of more than 20 years, Russ Carroll, who passed away in 2017. Sue was born December 13, 1956, in Birmingham Alabama and most recently resided in Salisbury, NC. She was the youngest child of the late William Kingsley McGrath and Maxine Goddard McGrath and sister of the late Kay (Kim) McGrath Millin.
Sue is survived by her sister, Pat McGrath; her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Debbie McGrath; her nephews and their wives, Jim Behmer and Kritsana Singha, and Jeff Behmer and Angela Simmons; her niece and her husband, Gwen and George Moreland; and her 9 grand nieces and nephews: Dear, Alexandrea, Grace, Beau, Kathryn Elizabeth, Kennedy, Ben, Jackson, and Cooper. All those grand nieces and nephews have wonderful stories and memories of Aunt Susie that will carry them through life. She is also survived by her father-in-law Harlan Carroll and his wife, Nancy, her stepson Jon, and her stepdaughter Christine and her husband, Brian, and their twins, Alyss and Declan.
Those of you who had the pleasure to know Sue knew that she was a very special person who liked to “shine the light” on others, always giving to others more than she received. She was the type of person who had lifelong friends and was still close to her childhood friends along with a host of others who became friends during her full life. She had two passions in her life, travel and music, which she shared with her husband Russ and others. Together, she and Russ visited all 59 US National Parks during a multi-year epic quest. All her family and friends were able to share their trips vicariously through their photos. She also traveled to Ireland and the UK multiple times with Russ, her in-laws, and her nephew Jim and enjoyed one cruise with Russ and several with Bill, Debbie, and Pat.
Sue’s other interests were wide and varied from crafting (her family and friends were the recipients of beautiful handmade cards), volunteering at the Raptor center which rehabilitated injured birds of prey, and many more over the years. Sue’s motto was “Live day to day. Make the most of every day.”
While Sue started her professional life as a Registered Nurse, she found her calling as a Quality Assurance Analyst for SAS software in a career that lasted over 30 years, retiring in February 2018.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society.
Her family and friends will gather from 1pm to 5pm on April 4, 2020, at Morgan Ridge Railwalk in Salisbury to celebrate her life and share their memories.
Carolina Cremation of Salisbury is assisting the Carroll family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolincremation.com.
Carolyn (Krebs) Bentsen says
Thank you, McGrath and Carroll families, for expressing your loving, genuine memories of dear Sue. The day W.K. and Maxine moved their family into the house next to ours on Cremona Drive, I received a very special gift: a forever friend. Those of us who knew Sue from childhood onward always will remember her consistent depth of character, positive attitude, courage, and loyalty. Meeting her soulmate Russ during their trip to the North Cascades was a privilege for my husband and me, as was our last visit with Sue in Jim and Kritsana’s home this past October. Thank you, Pat and Bill, for sharing your little sister with those of us blessed by Sue’s presence in our lives.
Ginny Bruschi says
Bill, Pat and family: I was another of Sue’s forever friends. We traveled together as youngsters and lost touch here and there, but always managed to find each other again. I will miss her very much but know that her faith has led her back to her dear Russ. Bless you all.
Stephanie says
I had Susan once as a client and my first time meeting her she was so sweet and kind. I am very sad to hear of her passing. My condolences to the family.
Shari Forvendel says
I had the honor and pleasure to work with Sue for a few years. She was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration. I learned from her everyday. The light of the world has dimmed with her loss. She spoke of her family often. My sincerest condolences to all of you.
Lynneth Lohse says
I knew Sue first as a co-worker, but she became a very close and very dear friend. Her humor and light will be sorely missed. May we comfort each other in our grief – the world has lost a unique and wonderful person.
Marti Weaver Norton says
Sue (Sioux as she preferred in high school) was one of my best friends in high school. We spent a LOT of time together and made awesome memories together. We lost track of each other several years after we graduated but found each other again just a few years ago. I miss her greatly, but know she is back with Russ and home with the Lord.
David and Lynette says
David and Lynette Demperio
Condolences and love to family and friends. The world is a better and brighter place for having Sue and Russ in it. We will miss their kindness, friendship and intelligence. Rest In Peace dear friends. Two peas in a pod.
David and Lynette says
Condolences and love to family and friends. The world is a better and brighter place for having Sue and Russ in it. We will miss their kindness, friendship and intelligence. Rest In Peace dear friends. Two peas in a pod.
teresa mcgrath says
so sorry about sue….peace and love to all the mcgrath and carroll family…i never met sue within our big mcgrath family, but pat mcgrath would keep us informed, and we followed her travels on fb….cancer is cruel, the big family has dealt with it all of our lives….we were gone when she passed on valentine’s day, so we didn’t know til today…may you all find lots of memories in the photos and comfort…rest in peace sue….xoxo love, teresa mcgrath and nat kim….
Linda Wharton says
What a beautiful difference one single life made.
Sharing your sorrow,