Carol J. (Eckert) Gerthoffer's Obituary
Carol J. (Eckert) Gerthoffer, 89, of Liverpool, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family November 18th, 2023. She was born in Wayland, NY, daughter of the late John and Grace (Keene) Eckert. Carol was a long-time communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church.
She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph C. Gerthoffer in 2022; her brother, Donald Eckert; her sister, Dolores Eckert, and stepson, Thomas J. Speier, Jr.
Carol is survived by three daughters, Melody Speier of New York, Pamela (Jorge) Orozco of Florida, and Melissa (Roderick) Tucker of Florida; three grandchildren, Brittany (Nicholas) Capparelli, Brandon Waszkiewicz, and Alanna Tucker, her stepson, Ronald (Nancy) Speier, and step-daughter-in-law, Marcy Speier, along with several nieces and nephews.
Carol loved to dance, which is why she enjoyed watching Dancing with the Stars so much. Carol would take any chance she could get to attend live performances and concerts - with Rod Stewart being her absolute favorite performer. No distance was too far to see Rod! Over the years, Carol grew a passion for fashion. So much so that she started collecting miniature shoes and purses to decorate her house with. Carol and Joe wouldn’t just stay in their well-decorated house, they made sure to travel as well. They took yearly trips to Las Vegas together and would meet their daughter Melissa and Son-in-Law Rod. You could bet on finding Carol at the slot machines. Several years ago, you could have also found Carol at the local Syracuse garage sales. She would go to as many as she could find, weather permitting. But the weather never stopped her from feeding her “critters” in her backyard. Carol would lay out birdseed and small treats for her woodland creatures daily, sometimes twice a day! To call her an animal lover would be an understatement. Within the past decade, Carol found fulfillment in decorating, renovating, and refurbishing dollhouses. She finished well-over 400! She got such joy when she would receive pictures from customers as their children saw their new dollhouse for the first time. Carol was constantly asked by her customers, “Why don’t you charge more?” Her response every time was simple; “I don’t do it for the money. I believe every child should be able to own their own dollhouse!”
A very special thank you to Carol’s loving caregivers as they provided a warm and calm environment during her end-of-life. Our family can never thank you all enough for your kind, gentle ways.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023, from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Rd., (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY 13212.
A funeral Mass in celebration of Carol’s life will take place at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Church 409 S. Main St., N. Syracuse, NY, 13212, followed by entombment at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery 8668 County Rte. 57, Baldwinsville, NY 13027.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s name may be made to HumaneCNY at https://www.humanecny.org/donate-now/.
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