Carolynn Mae Banks

She was the daughter of the late Charles S. Banks and Katherine P. Toomey and sister of the late Stephen C. Banks and his wife Pat of New York. Her beloved brother Donald R. Banks and his wife Betty reside in Alabama. She was the devoted niece to the late Rita Kinniery and a loving aunt to nine nieces and nephews.

After the death of her parents, Carolynn was “lovingly” adopted by Lillian and Albert Rosoff along with their extraordinary family extensive family. She considered her greatest blessing to have lived with her dear friend Nancy Rosoff for 45 years raising their own family. Michael Rosoff, who also considered Carolynn as his second “mom”, his wife Jennifer and their three children; Sierra, Freddy and Lily.

She took great pride in her daughter Kristen, who along with her husband Dennis Odiwo and grandson Daniel, came from Florida to Boston for nine months to be with her during the initial cancer treatment. Four months later, they returned once again when Carolynn was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Carolynn will always be eternally grateful to her dear friends, Jannie and Jonnie Kravetz and their daughters Rebecca and Hannah, for opening their hearts and their home to the Odiwo family.

Nancy, Carolynn’s dearest friend, soon became her “nurse”, caretaker, laundress and chauffer to hospital appointments five and six days weekly and even “cooked” which was no small accomplishment. With Carolynn’s will and undaunting spirit, Kristen and Nancy helped (badgered) her to eat and regain the weight she’d lost. Her doctors were amazed.

Carolynn worked for 39 years at Little People’s School, later known as Learning Prep School. At first she was a teacher and eventually become principal of the high school. Learning Prep was a school that served over 400 special needs children. In both roles, Carolynn referred to the students as “her kids”. Every June at graduation, she would take such pride as she recognized the growth of each student and their accomplishments. There was a no more gifted teacher who would do anything to make certain that each child received all the services they needed to succeed in life. She also cared for and had a deep respect for the staff at Learning Prep, knowing that the students' growth was dependent on a very dedicated and loving group of professionals.

Carolynn was a woman whose compassion for others had no ending. Her love of family, belief in the goodness of people, her unending humor and, most of all, her courage and grace in the face of a devastating disease, were the mark of this remarkable woman who will be sorely missed by family and friends. We are all better people for having her in our lives.

Carolynn’s family would like to thank the Salmon VNA and Hospice for their tender loving care during these difficult times. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Salmon VNA and Hospice, 37 Birch Street, Milford, MA 01757.