Caroline Paruch RN
Born In: Glace Bay
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: April 10th, 2016
It is with broken hearts that we, the family of Caroline Paruch, announce her sudden peaceful passing after a brief illness on Sunday, April 10, 2016, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, ICU.
Born in Glace Bay in 1935 to the late Mary and Samuel Gromick, Caroline is survived by daughters, Joanie (Dave) Fudge, Laurie (Mark) Madinsky; grandchildren, Steven and Danielle Fudge, Evan and Emily Madinsky; great-granddaughter, Ava. She is also survived by brothers, Joe (Rita) Gromick, Johnny (Jen) Gromick, Bill (Eleanor) Gromick; sisters-in-law, Teresa MacQueen, Flo Paruch, Pam Paruch, Frances Mei; and several nieces and nephews.
Caroline was predeceased by her husband, Joseph ‘Buddy’ Paruch in 1998; sister, Rose (Jerry) Turner; brother, Archie (Lois) Gromick; several in-laws including, Arnold MacQueen, Sophie and Jim Walsh, Michael, Johnny, Charlotte, Mary, Agnes, Frank, Josephine Paruch, and father and mother-in-law, Mary and Michael Paruch.
Caroline attended St. Ann’s High School in Glace Bay and after completing grade eleven already knew that nursing was a path she wanted to take, so entered St. Joseph’s School of Nursing and graduated in 1956 with a three-year Diploma in Nursing and later attended Sydney Academy in the 1970s to complete and receive her high school diploma. She also graduated from the University of College of Cape Breton CIM program with the designation Certified Industrial Manager. Her early nursing career brought her to Sudbury, Ont., where her daughter Joanie was born. Longing to return to her roots, Caroline, Buddy and Joanie returned in 1962 where Caroline obtained employment at St. Rita Hospital, where she remained until her retirement in 1994. While employed in the Maternity Dept. as the Perinatal educator, she co-ordinated the Perinatal Patient Safety Program for the Department of Health and Welfare, Ottawa, which was later adopted by the province of Nova Scotia. She was also very active with the Nurses Union holding positions as vice-president and president of the local chapter and first vice-president of the Nova Scotia local. As president of the St. Rita local she was instrumental in obtaining special unit pay for nurses employed in high risk areas.
Gabber, as she was lovingly known to her grandchildren was extremely generous and supportive to her family always encouraging them to follow their dreams. Her smile would light up any room and her laugh was infectious. She loved reading, doing her daily crosswords, listening to music, marveling at the beauty of nature, especially the hummers that came to her feeders every summer. She also loved to cook for her family and could make the best cabbage rolls, the envy of any member of the Polish community. She will be forever missed, loved and never forgotten.
There will no visitation at Caroline’s request. Funeral mass will be celebrated and announced at a later date.
Love you forever, like you for always, as long as I’m living, my mother you’ll be, Gabber.
-Robert Munch
Donations may be made to the Polish Church Building Fund in Whitney Pier or to a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.
