Carolina, known to most as “Carolyn” Calabresa Speck, 99 died peacefully on Sunday, February 5th. She was born in Newark, NJ and grew up in Long Branch before moving to Oakhurst.  She was a loving mother to her three children with her husband John whom she was married to for 67 years. Early on she assumed the nickname “Butch” which was lovingly given to her by her husband.

Carolyn was a bright light with a heart of gold, our matriarch, caretaker, protector, and a loving follower and servant of Jesus.  She was a member of the Altar Rosary Society of St. Jerome, and later became a member of The Assembly of God in Shrewsbury.  She was part of the LB Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Carolyn was employed for 28 years by Bamberger’s which later became Macy’s. She enjoyed bingo, birthday parties, walks to get ice cream, trips to AC and Wildwood, holiday bazaars, scrabble, mahjong, rummy 500, and any activity that involved her beloved family.  She loved to have family dinners with homemade beef stroganoff, Sunday sauce, and pot roast.  She hosted sleepovers with the grandkids where they always stayed up past their bedtime.  With her camera in hand, she never missed any of their activities, sporting events, college parent visitation weekends, and could be found in any of her children’s kitchens washing dishes because she always wanted to be helpful.  She sent a card for every single holiday with a message of love and her care packages became something hard to live without.  Carolyn was selfless, kind, and the most loving mom, nanny, and friend. We will miss her infectious smile and sassy spirit.

She was predeceased by her loving parents Gaetano and Maria Calabresa, her husband John Speck, sister Teresa Dilger, brother Joseph Calabresa, daughter Kathy Salter, son in law Fred Salter, and son Daniel Speck.  She leaves behind a sister Jean Cosentino, daughter Carol and Tom Gough, daughter-in-law Marcia Speck, granddaughters Kim Walker, Kelly Speck, Tracey and Fred Cistaro, Jenna and Ray Penzimer, Lori and Vincent St. John, great grandchildren Jake, Aidan, Dominic, Luke, Tessa, Alexander, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation and service on Monday, February 13th from 4-8pm with a 7pm service at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch.  The entombment service will be held Tuesday, February 14th at 11am at the funeral home followed by a short prayer service.  Entombment will follow in Woodbine Mausoleum, Oceanport.