Carolyn Ruscio, age 84, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024. Born on July 1, 1940, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Carolyn felt she "won the lottery of life" when conceived by her parents Norman and Claudine Durocher. From a young age, Carolyn found the magic in life, even through periods of adversity as a child. She especially treasured her time spent at her grandparents' farm in Quebec. She spoke fondly of picking wild blueberries, lying on giant rocks, and the warmth shared with her mother's siblings, Aunt Aline and Uncle Victor.

Carolyn pursued a career in nursing, graduating in Windsor, Ontario. During her studies, she met the love of her life, Dominic Ruscio, who was attending the University of Windsor, studying chemistry. They married in Windsor in 1964 surrounded by their families and many others. Together, they moved to Rochester, NY and shared a remarkable journey built on love, friendship, and family, including their three beloved children: Chris, Brian and Aimée.

Known for her creativity, warmth, and boundless curiosity, Carolyn was an exceptional wife, and a creative and caring mother. She was a woman of deep passions and enjoyed writing her own and others' life stories. An enthusiastic genealogist, she meticulously researched her French-Canadian roots and discovered her Scottish heritage, proudly tracing her ancestry to Gregor McGregor of the Gregor clan, a connection that validated her love for bagpipe music. Her genealogical interests extended to Dominic's Italian heritage, making family history and traditions a treasured part of their life.

Through their marriage, Carolyn and Dominic developed a family-like bond with three other couples—the Shaughnessys, Luitkuses, and Ashleys—forming a close-knit group through their Marriage Encounter gatherings, known affectionately as "Core." Over 35 years, they shared weekly meetings, heartfelt letters, prayers, and lifelong friendship. During these weekly meetings they wrote heart felt introspective letters to their spouses, leaving behind a legacy of thousands of love letters to one another.

Her love for dolls was profound and enduring. Starting in childhood and carrying through her final days, Carolyn curated a beautiful collection, with a special affection for Sasha dolls discovered on a memorable trip to Montreal. She not only collected but also created; her talent for designing and sewing doll clothing led to top prizes at international Sasha festivals. Through her doll collection and the Henrietta Doll Club, Carolyn forged lasting friendships, especially with her dear friends Millie, Carmen, and Sheila.

Carolyn also had a deep appreciation for fireworks, attending conventions across the U.S. to experience week-long displays. Sitting up close, she delighted in the sight and scent of pyrotechnics, joyfully reveling in the experience of "smelling the smoke." She was an avid gardener, seashell collector, Halloween haunter, pie maker, foot rubber, fisherman, seamstress, and so much more. Her zest for life and dedication to projects inspired all who knew her.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Claudine Durocher, and her brothers, Terry, Gary, and Bruce "Tiloup" Durocher. She is survived by her devoted husband, Dominic, her cherished children, Chris (Cindy), Brian (Julie), and Aimee (Jason Condon); her grandchildren, Brian, Ryan, Nicholas, Max, Connor, Christopher, Skyler, and Jonah; her brother-in-law, Victor Ruscio; her sisters-in-law, Constance Ruscio and Lynn Ruscio; and her nieces, Christina and Alyssa.

Carolyn's legacy is one of love, creativity, and connection. She touched the lives of everyone around her, leaving behind memories that will be cherished forever. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

A celebration of life for Carolyn will be held on Jan 10th at 1pm at the Venetian Falls Clubhouse in Venice, FL and in Rochester in the spring of 2025. For more information please feel free to contact Dominic directly 585-771-7163.