Carol Ann DeRoss, 85, of Colts Neck, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Staten Island, NY, Carol Ann was the daughter of the late Lucia and John Keane. After graduating from St. John Villa Academy, she went on to earn her nursing degree from Lenox Hill Hospital School of Nursing — beginning what would become a lifelong calling to care for others. It was at Staten Island Hospital where she met her husband of 60 years, Carmine. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family — raising their children in Staten Island, NY then moving to Middletown, NY in 1995, and later to Colts Neck, NJ.

Carol Ann was a natural caregiver, both by profession and by heart. Whether tending to her patients, or comforting a family member, she had a special way of making everyone feel seen and cared for. Her kindness was genuine and effortless — she just had that gift.

She found joy in the simple things: reading a good book, tending to her flowers, cooking a delicious meal, or browsing through her favorite stores. She loved an occasional trip to the casino, always hopeful for a little luck, and she never missed a Yankees game or a good cooking show on TV. She loved to laugh and had a sense of humor that could light up a room.

But most of all, Carol Ann loved her family. Being “Mom” and “Grandma” were her proudest titles. She cherished Sunday dinners, family get-togethers, holidays, and every little moment in between — stories shared at the kitchen table, phone calls that turned into long chats, and the laughter that always seemed to fill her home.

Carol Ann’s warmth, strength, and love will stay with all of us — in the way we care for each other, tell stories, and keep her memory alive.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Carmine A. DeRoss; her loving children, Albert (Tammy) DeRoss of Colts Neck, NJ, Krista (Anthony) Santanello of Staten Island, NY, and Maribeth (Charles) Dougherty of Lords Valley, PA; her sisters Mary Lou Singleton and Camille Perosi; her seven adoring grandchildren — Anthony, Joseph, Victoria, Nicholas, Alexandra, Samantha, and Matthew; and her two great-grandchildren, Callie and Jaxon. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who meant so much to her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ.

A Mass will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Parish of St. Mary, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, NJ.

Interment will follow at St. Gabriel Cemetery.