Obituary of Gwendolyn R. Caracci

Gwendolyn R. Caracci, 87, died on April 24, 2021 with her loving family at her side.  She was born in Brooklyn, the 2^nd of 3 children to Margaret Kennedy and John R. Rask.  She attended St. Brigid RC School and upon graduation entered the Sisters of Mercy Juniorate,  living and working at  Angel Guardian Home in Brooklyn.  After 3 years she transferred and subsequently graduated from Bushwick H.S. 

She married William J. Sheridan on February 14, 1953.  They had 3 sons.

Gwen worked very hard raising her 3 boys.  She worked in a GP/Surgeon’s office for many years and then was a practice manager for a cardiology office for many years.  She often held down a 2^nd job to make ends meet. 

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Margaret (Peggy) Fitzgerald and her brother, John.  Her fourth Child, Mary Irene, died in infancy several hours after birth. Gwen was blessed with a great group of friends, some who were friends since childhood in the “old neighborhood.”   Many of them also predeceased her as well, including Eleanor, Nina, Lorraine and her dearest friend Evie. 

The love of her life, “Lou Darling”, husband of 32 years,  died in September of 2020 and is sorely missed. They lived in Edison N.J. and then in Tom’s River, NJ until 18 months ago when they relocated to Middle Village, NY.  They enjoyed their winters in Marco Island, Florida for 30 years and leave many dear friends behind there as well. 

She is survived by her 3 very proud sons,  Dr. Michael (Debra) of Amsterdam, NY,   Billy (Verna) of Middle Village, NY and Brian (Karin) of Maspeth, NY.  She was most proud of her grandchildren,  Colleen, Christopher and Connor of Amsterdam, NY, Toni of East Meadow, NY, Billy Jean of Howard Beach, NY, Kristin of Chesapeake, VA and Brianne of Maspeth, NY.   A grandson, Sean Michael Sheridan, predeceased her.

She was also very proud of her great grandchildren, Caden, Kyleigh, and Carlee of Amsterdam, NY and Vincenzo of Broadalbin, NY.  Gwendolyn and Madelyn of East Meadow, NY, Eva of Howard Beach, NY and Madelyn of Chesapeake, VA.

It was Gwen’s wish not to have a formal wake or funeral;  she was cremated.

Fr. Tom Walters, OFM, a dear family friend, administered the Sacrament of the Sick and anointed mom; she died 3 hrs later.  Her ashes, along with Lou’s will be interred at LI National Cemetery.   A Mass of Remembrance to celebrate her wonderful life will be held at St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Church in Howard Beach, NY at a later date due to Covid restrictions. 

Gwen was very generous to multiple charities throughout her life.  Two in particular can be singled out for donations in her memory: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110 or  St. Francis, Friends of the Poor, c/o Fr. Tom Walters, OFM, 155 West 22^nd Street, NY, NY  10011. 

Words cannot express our gratitude to Billy and Verna Sheridan who not only shared their home but cared for Gwen these past months along with their daughters, Toni and Billie Jean.  Thanks, too, for Lorraine, her aid, and for Hospice, who cared for her at home in her last days.

 

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