Carol Eleanor (Etchells) Ross

Carol Eleanor Ross, 80, of Naples, FL passed away on May 21, 2022. 

Carol has lived in Naples since 1987 and was formerly a resident of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ for 15 years and spent 38 summers in Harvey Cedars, Long Beach Island, NJ. 

Carol was born in Paterson, NJ and was raised in Fair Lawn, NJ.  She attended Fair Lawn High School and graduated Salutatorian in the Class of 1959.  She then attended the University of Maryland in College Park, MD and was a proud member of the Alpha Rho Chapter of Kappa Delta where she lived some of her happiest days and made lifelong friends.  She graduated in 1963 with a B.S. in Education and was a UMD Superfan all through the years.

Carol taught second grade in West Orange, NJ for a couple of years and worked in real estate in Naples as well.

Carol was an avid reader and enjoyed historical fiction, loved the beach and was a sea bird enthusiast, traveling and map reading, and watching every sport under the sun…she even taught her grandkids how to do the brackets for the NCAA March Madness!  Mostly, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  In Naples, she was an active member of the Neopolitan Women’s Club and served as Co-President from 1996-97 and enjoyed its Sundowners and Matinee Madam groups as well.  She spent many years participating and socializing in various informal groups with a small circle of cherished friends such as the SandDollars Club, the Winner’s Circle, Girls’ Supper Club, Book Club and the Friday Night Dinner Group.  Carol always looked forward to spending her summers at her much-loved Jersey Shore with her children and grandchildren. 

Carol is survived by her daughter, Jill and husband Lawrence, of Shrewsbury, NJ; son Lawrence “Bud” Littman and wife Jennifer of Rumson, NJ; and was a beloved Nana to her grandchildren Victoria, Garrett, Riley, Grace, Ian and Raphaelle.

Carol was pre-deceased by her husband of 40 years, David B. Ross, her parents Herbert V. and Ruth S. Etchells and her stepsons, David B. Ross, Jr and Robert C. Ross.

Celebration of Life Remembrances will be held in New Jersey and Naples in July, dates to be announced at a later time.

Donations in Carol’s memory can be made to honor her love of fur and feathered friends at Monmouthcountyspca.org

Carol was a ray of sunshine with a heart of gold. She will be missed by many and loved by all.