Carolyn C. “Carli” Carrara, age 83, passed away June 11th at home surrounded by her loving family. Carli Carrara was born in Far Rockaway, New York in 1938. She received her BA in psychology from Northeastern University. After completing her Masters in Special Education from Boston College she became a teacher of children with special needs, at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Canton, MA, eventually developing her own curriculum incorporating poetry, science and the visual arts.
In 1994, while teaching at Rhode Island College, she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics.
When she retired, she enrolled in the Vermont College Low Residency program where she received her MFA in Poetry. Carli’s poems have been published in many literary magazines, including The Breath of Parted Lips: Voices from the Robert Frost Place, Alehouse Press, Onion River Review, Phoebe and The MacGuffin. Carli’s poetic vision further came to life in her own published poetry book entitled Two-Faced Doll.
During her spare time in retirement, Carli enjoyed many hobbies such as practicing and teaching Tai Chi and scuba diving.
Aside from her many accomplishments as an educator and poet, those who knew Carli best will remember her as a loving grandmother, great-grandmother, mother, wife, and friend. A lover of all people, animals, and nature, her gracious spirit and kind heart endeared her to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. Whether it be her family, her students, or even the dolphins she lived with and trained in Hawaii, the memories and impact she created will remain for many lifetimes.
Carli stands as the beloved wife of Richard T. Carrara. The mother of Garrett W. Carrara of Atlanta, Michael Carrara of Boston, Stacy Chambers and her husband John of Canton, and Matthew Carrara and his wife Nina of Canton. Mother-in-law to Marie Carrara of Wayland. Grandmother of Nicholas, Benjamin, Jack, Olivia, Isabella, Adam, and Gianna. Great-grandmother of Naomi.
Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton Thursday 4-7 pm. Burial private. To honor her life in color, guests are encouraged to forgo somber attire in favor of brightly-colored dress.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolyn’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Assn at www.alz.org or to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution at www.whoi.edu.