1946 – 2021
Thompson – Carolyn A. (Gazzola) Werge, 75, of Lowell Davis Rd., passed away on Monday, May 3, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Robert W. Werge, Sr. for 57 beautiful years. Born in the Bronx, NY, she was the daughter of the late William and Margaret (Scarpati) Gazzola.
Carolyn graduated from Dodge Vocational High School at the top of her class winning numerous academic awards. Carolyn had a brilliant mind, an unparalleled work ethic and a magnanimous heart. After raising her three children, Carolyn earned a Bachelor of Arts from Clark University, graduating summa cum laude in 1998 at the age of 52. She then continued her long and impactful career in environmental protection, preservation and conservation. Carolyn worked in various roles for the Town of Thompson including as a member and then Enforcement Officer of the Inland and Wetlands Commission for 21 years. She also served as the Conservation Commission’s Advisory Officer for 16 years where she most notably led the integration of the town’s mapping system and supported surrounding towns with her mapping expertise, as well as serving as a poll worker, mentor and Head Moderator for town elections. Through her work for the town and her volunteer efforts, Carolyn’s legacy can be seen in the natural beauty of Thompson, its preserved lands, protected wetlands and especially in the stunning collection of native cairns that Carolyn and her husband Bob preserved on their property for future generations to visit and enjoy.
Carolyn most enjoyed time with family, volunteering her time in service to others, hikes in the woods, kayaking and writing. She was an amazing cook, true to her Italian heritage. Sunday dinners, celebrations and holiday feasts at her table were everything to those she loved. She prepared every dish with the secret ingredient; love. She made each of us feel abundantly loved and cared for always.
In addition to her husband, Carolyn is survived by her son, Robert W. Werge, Jr. and his wife Dolores of Thompson; her daughters, Regina Mannix and her husband Thomas of Southborough, MA, and Michele Allen and her husband Christopher of Cohasset, MA; her nine adored and adoring grandchildren, Ryan, Anna and Joseph Werge, Grace, Jackson and Tessa Mannix and Jake, Robert and Ainsley Allen, and her precious great-granddaughter, Lillian Barney. She is also survived by her dearest friend and sister-in-law Diana Gazzola, her loving sister Margaret Eltablawi and brothers David Gazzola and Paul Gazzola. Carolyn was predeceased by her mother Margaret Gazzola, her father William Gazzola and her two brothers Bill Gazzola and James Gazzola.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Carolyn’s family from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021 in the Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. On Saturday, she will be celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Carolyn’s family wishes to thank you all for the love and support generously given and gratefully received.
Memorial donations may be made to Thompson Together, a nonprofit organization committed to addressing needs within Thompson for the benefit of the community. Donations can be mailed to Thompson Together 988 Quaddick Town Farm Rd., Thompson, CT 06277. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Marian Smat
Deepest Sympathies to all
Dave Brown
My prayers and condolences go out to all of my friends in the Werge family. Rob and I became friends in college and I was fortunate enough to be invited to the homestead on some of the weekends when we were bored of college life. ” Mama Wergioni” would serve up some of those special Italian meals, that only she could cook, and send us back with plenty of leftovers to hold us over until the next time. Always a smile on her face and kind words. Your Mom was a special person and she has left some of that in each of you. God Bless!
Ken Brown, Jr.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of loss. I was fortunate to get to know Carolyn and to share our love of the outdoors, wildlife and the special property where she took great pride in experiencing these. As our families have been close, her love and devotion to her family have been obvious and exemplary. And I was most fortunate to have “happened” to stop by around dinner time on several occasions and to have been the beneficiary of her culinary magic. I will miss her.
carla loconte
Rest in peace ….it was wonderful knowing you all these years
Michael & Tina Betley
The Good Lord has called this lady from her loved ones too soon. Such a beautiful testament to Carolyn’s talents and love here on earth. We were so touched by her magnanimous smile and comfortable conversations.
Our condolences to all of Carolyn’s family.
Until we are with you again…….
Claire and Bob Dahl
Dear Werge family, we are sorry to hear of the loss of Carolyn , she and your family were a part of our daughters lives for many hears.
“ we wish our words could somehow ease your sadness, we know the most they can do is simply tell you how much we care.”
Tata Family
Our love and prayers are with Poppy and the entire Werge, Mannix, and Allen families. We are so very sorry for your loss. She certainly touched so many lives with her kindness and wonderful spirit. She leaves an amazing legacy and will be your guiding light always.
Cheryl Harmon
My deepest sympathies to Carolyn’s family. I am sad to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful person. She will be missed.
john rice
Bob & Family
Sorry for your loss, mine and the Town of Thompson. As you know she was a great Lady with a great personality she will be missed by us all.
Nancy Girald
God Bless Carolyn and all of her family she has left behind. She was a cousin I always looked up to, a loving niece to my parents, and we respected her as a great wife and mother. Her priorities were clear and an inspiration to me.
Dave Babbitt
Bob and all the family, On behalf of all the Babbitt’s our sincerity sympathy on the passing of Carolyn…She was a stalwart in our community and a dear friend….May her soul Rest In Peace …
The Lahart's
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shealyn Biron
Grammy was such a light throughout my time in high school, always brightening any room she entered and making my visits with the Werge’s even more lovely. Thank you for the time you were able to share with me, Grammy, and for the never ending support you gave Anna, the Werge’s, and everyone in your life.
Phillip T Houle
Robert and family.our deepest sympathy. Shirley houle,ray , and Phil.
Bob Coletti
Truly a Beautiful Person inside and out! She though only a year older than me, was looked up to as a Model of how to be a Big Sister to her Family!
May God take You to Paradise, where you will be surrounded by Your Gazzola Family !
Rest in Peace, My Beautiful Cousin ❤❤❤
Michael Angelella
Rest In Peace, Carolyn. Condolences, Bob, and to your entire family.
Francis Drollinger
May the Angels lead you into Paradise,
in your coming, may the martyrs receive you, and guide you into the holy city Jerusalem.
May the Choirs of Angels receive you,
and with the once poor Lazarus,
may you have eternal life.
JUDI LACHANCE
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Carolyn. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all in this time of sadness. She was a beautiful natural person who always had a smile on her face and together with Bob build a family of great and loving children. She has left us too soon but knowing she will guide her family through it.
Love to you all
John and Judi Lachance
Tim Palmer
Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Carolyn. She lived a wonderful life and has left a beautiful legacy through her children and grandchildren. God bless her soul and all her family and friends.
Tim and Tina Palmer
Dave Gagnon
Bob, Rob, Regina, and Michele: It is with heavy heart that we learned the news of Carolyn’s passing. Our deepest condolences to the entire Werge family. Carolyn indeed, was a special person who touched the lives of many; we feel honored to be included as one of many.
Bob: Deb and I know at this difficult time, no words can relieve the pain of your loss. Please know that we are always here for you. And know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Dave and Deb Gagnon
Alvan R. Hill
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob and his family during this time of loss. Carolyn will be greatly missed by the Town of Thompson. Her expertise in land conservation and the ability to create mapping for the Community has left behind a wealth of knowledge and a lasting legacy.
While we are mourning, we also know heaven is now blessed with a beautiful soul and an amazing cartographer!
Marianne Gazzola Angelella
Dear Bob, Regina, Rob, Shelly and all of your families,
My heart aches for you. Carol’s light, humor, quiet grace, and love are all inspirations that will shine on. No matter how many years we were apart, when we met again, her reassuring smile and knowing look erased the absence. I love my big cousin very much, and I love all of you. My the warmth of Gods love comfort you all.
Love, Marianne
Rene and Lynne Morin
Bob, Rob, Regina, Shelly and your wonderful Families,
God must have needed a perfectionist to preserve His Wetlands, Land Areas, and Mapping Systems in Heaven, and He chose absolutely the best person for His work. Carolyn was a true Professional and those of us who worked with her are very fortunate to have know her goodness. Our sympathy to the entire Werge Family. You will be in our daily Prayers.
Joseph Iamartino
She has left us all too soon. What an amazing person!
Aileen Witkowski Murphy
Mr. Werge, Regina, Shelly and Robbie, our hearts and all of our love go out to you. Growing up in Wilsonville in the 70s with you and visiting your home is one of my fondest memories. Your mom was so COOL!!! Just so sweet , caring and considerate… I loved being at your house. I have so many memories but as an an adult I grew to admire the amazing woman she really was. You all have my heartfelt condolences. She was an amazing woman.
As a side note: Regina, Shelly, Robbie… I was there at dinnertime. We fed the pigs then came in for liver and onions. With Simon and Garfunkel blasting in the background. My experience with original hippies!
Love to all❤
Dennis O’Connell
Dear Bob(Poppy) and Werge Family
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved Carolyn.
May her memory be a blessing to you and the entire Werge Family!!
Francie Mannix
The Mannix Family from Texas sends our thoughts and prayers to you all. So sorry for your loss but heaven has gained an incredible new angel..
All our Love,
Francie and the kids ❤️
Dennis O’Connell
Dear Bob and the Werge Family
My deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved Carolyn.
May her memory be a blessing for you and your Family..
David Ostrowski
Carolyn worked effortlessly to preserve woodlands, wetlands and her own Native American archaeological site for future generations to appreciate. I’ll miss her very much and her smile.
David Ostrowski
Cheryl Sellers
Rob and family,
I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Sending my sincere condolences.
Cheryl (Alimandi) Sellers
Cindy Lambert-Hutchinson
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother, wife, loved one. Although I remember her from years ago, I fondly remember her beauty, zest for life and her love for her family. A truly beautiful soul is now with our Lord.
Mary Ann Chinatti
Bob and Family,
I just now heard of Carolyn’s passing. My heartfelt sympathy to you all. Carolyn is such a special person, and I am so honored to have known her and worked with her. Another angel Heaven was missing has found her way home.
My sincere, sincere condolences; much love –
Mary Ann
Ron and Gwyneth Tillen
Ron and I were deeply saddened by the news of Carolyn’ s passing, what a difficult time this has been for your wonderful family and dear, brave unassuming Carolyn.
She has been such an incredible inspiration to the town of Thompson for so long, Her expertise in land preservation , maps , wild life was outstanding. She will be always be missed as was such a pillar of this local area, we were always so impressed by Carolyn’s humility, her shyness yet dogged hard work with that incredible brain she possessed.
Our sincere sympathy to Bob and the family.