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BORN
1997
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Caroline DeLuca Obituary
1997-2016
Caroline DeLuca went to heaven on March 24, 2016. She died as she lived, surrounded and loved by her mother, father, and three sisters.
Born with a rare neurodegenerative condition called STXBP1 (or Ohtahara Syndrome), Caroline shined despite suffering debilitating and life-threatening epilepsy. Thanks to the care of Dr. Gary Clark, chief of neurology at Texas Children's Hospital and lifelong pediatrician Dr. Stephen Bolline, she celebrated her 18th birthday this past November.
Caroline's bright smile, zest for life, and energy were contagious. She loved family, sports, music, Broadway shows and church. She participated in cheerleading and baseball through The Challenger League at West University. Caroline was lucky enough to see several Broadway musicals including her all-time favorite, Mamma Mia. She especially enjoyed her weekly music therapy sessions with Maryanna Sokol, where they sang and danced to Caroline's favorite songs. A lifelong Episcopalian at St. John the Divine, Caroline was a weekly participant in the Wonderfully Made Sunday School program, enjoying worship until her illness prevented her from attending.
Caroline spent her summers with her family on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Not a day went by that Caroline was not in the pool at the Beach Club enjoying the water with her many friends. Even after Caroline lost the ability to walk, she continued going to the pool and the beach and always found peace at the water's edge.
The search for educational opportunities that would be the most rewarding to Caroline started at The Rise School, where she thrived, making lifelong friends including Chandler, Carena, Ysabella, Blakely, Joshua and countless others. When her time at the Rise School came to an end, she attended several more schools, including Poe Elementary. Eventually, the pursuit of a perfect fit for Caroline became the driving force behind the development of a school for medically fragile children; where even the most profoundly disabled would be nurtured and stimulated. Thus, The Caroline School for Special Children was born in the spring of 2002. Now housed at Easter Seals Greater Houston, Caroline's legacy will live on through the educational opportunities afforded to children like her.
Caroline and the DeLuca family were committed to research and the study of her disorder not only to help her, but other children with neurological conditions. Throughout her life, Caroline was a trailblazer - at 18 months old, she participated in a study at UTMB doing hyperbaric oxygen treatments. At age 5, unable to move or swallow and with six months to live, Caroline was the first person in the United States to be identified with and treated for, Cerebral Folate Deficiency. Three weeks after beginning treatment, Caroline regained her ability to walk and swallow. Her amazing recovery led to two articles in the New England Journal of Medicine. Over her final eighteen months, she benefitted from an experimental treatment with CBD oil which significantly reduced her seizures. Caroline donated numerous blood samples to further research, never once refusing a blood draw.
Caroline is survived by her parents, Anthony and Elizabeth DeLuca, her three older sisters, Lauren, Allison, and Virginia Claire. Grandparents, Janis Ross, Nancy Taylor, Michael Taylor and Margo Taylor. Greeting her in heaven is her Grandaddy, Edward Price Ross III, her great Grandfather, Adrian Flake, along with other friends and family who passed before her.
The DeLuca family would like to thank Caroline's long-time caregivers: Morena Blanco (Lupita), Doris Magaña, Brenda Harris , Shon Harris and Evelyn Posada. They would also like to thank Texas Children's Hospital for their excellent care, and Hospice of the Texas Medical Center, especially Dr. Nancy Glass, Sue Steinbruecker, and Darelle Robins.
Services will be at the Church of St. John the Divine (2450 River Oaks Blvd., Houston TX 77019) on Wednesday, March 30th at eleven o'clock in the morning with a celebration of Caroline's life to follow at the DeLuca home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following:
The Caroline DeLuca Scholar
Attn.: Virginia Tomlinson
Texas Children's Hospital
Office of Development
Suite 5214
P.O. Box 300630
Houston, TX 77230-0630
The Caroline School Operating Endowment
Attn.: Kelly Klein
Easter Seals Greater Houston
4500 Bissonnet
Suite 340
Bellaire, Texas 77401
Memories and Condolences
for Caroline DeLuca
Sponsored by Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services - Houston.
31 Entries
John Fain
March 20, 2025
Sweet Caroline...(bom, bom, bom) Thinking of you. Especially when I open my secret desk drawer and see your smiling face on the little button. The next thing I know I shout down the hallway, "Hey Alexa! Play songs by ABBA!
Anne Pare
May 23, 2024
Hi Deluca family! For some reason, Caroline's name came to mind today after so many long years so I looked her up again. Just remembering your family with fondness from many many years ago from Hope Orthotics. Caroline is not forgotten, the miracles of her life and the beautiful endurance of your family is not either. Best wishes to you all!
Angela
March 21, 2023
God has a Sense of humor. Her Floated me to 10 Tower tonight. It's not my home unit anymore, but your name is all over it's walls. Think of you often Sweet Caroline
John FIn
March 20, 2023
Caroline we miss you so much. We think of you every day and I´ve been carrying your button with your picture on it!
John Fain
March 20, 2022
Everyone misses you "Teddy". You are not forgotten and the past six years without you seems long ago to some but to all of us it feels like yesterday.
Ann McLafferty
January 2, 2019
Dear DeLuca family, I am heartbroken to hear of Caroline's passage to heaven. She gave me so many smiles and enriched my professional life. She inspired me and others to never give up and push forward. I know through her life she has helped so many others. With love and strength to the DeLuca family.
Sandee Mills
November 7, 2018
Dear DeLuca Family,
I'm writing this two years after Caroline passed. I talked to you on the phone one day after you treated Caroline with Folate when she was five. I found your name through PND friends and called to talk about my undiagnosed daughter at the time. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish we could have kept Storey that long but she died in 2006 and through autopsy we found out she had Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease.(only 30 people in the world has been diagnosed)
I'm writing a Memoir and going through all my papers and found the article about Caroline when she started walking again. So I decided to google her name.
I love all the wonderful things you have done in her honor and to help kids with disabilities. I now help kids downhill ski who have disabilities and it is so fun for all of us.
Sorry for your loss, I hope out kids are up in heaven playing together.
with love; Sandee Mills
[email protected]
Mike and Maci Berkeley
July 5, 2017
We are very sorry for your loss. May God bless you as you go through this difficult time.
Janine Winn
November 13, 2016
I am Janine and helped to care for Caroline in Kiawah. My deepest condolences go out to the family. I know in my heart that Caroline is in Heaven dancing and singing!
Jaine Winn
November 13, 2016
Hello,
I am Janine and helped take care of Caroline in Kiawah. My deepest condolences go out to the family. I know in my heart Caroline is in Heaven dancing and singing!
Angela Kimbro
October 27, 2016
Hi! My name is aNgela k. I was one of the Nurses on the Tenth Floor. Our paths crossed many times on that unit! Your Story mattered to us! Last night I had a dream about Caroline! In the dream she was busy happy Caroline! So, when I googled her name, I was expecting an updated Christmas Photo of sorts! And my heart cried when I found her obituary! I know Caroline is good now! So insteadI am praying for you, your family and your hearts!
Elizabeth Spencer, RN
April 13, 2016
My deepest sentiments to the DeLuca family and especially Mrs DeLuca. Caroline was such a delightful child when I cared for her when she was only 5 years old. She had a beautiful smile and enjoyed my singing to her even then. Caroline and her family are a family that understands what true love is!!!
John Fain
March 30, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved Caroline and I love each of you.
John
Katy Casey
March 30, 2016
Sweet, sweet Caroline...you will be missed deeply. We learned so much from your enduring strength, courage and enthusiasm. I will never forget your smile next to the swimming pool or your mom's tireless efforts to advance our ever-changing medical treatments. Heaven has gained another angel --- you are one in a million. May God bless your family and caregivers during this difficult time. Your devoted family is loved by so many. Hoping the happy times and priceless memories (your 18th birthday celebration last November!) will ease their pain. You blossomed before us all. What a gift.
Hattie Simon
March 30, 2016
I enjoyed being a part of Caroline life at Poe Elementary. I will treasure the photo we took together. Caroline will always have a special place in my heart.
March 30, 2016
Caroline beams of joy in this photo! I smile even though I have never met her. However, I do know of her, as I am a pottery student of her grandmother, Janis Ross. Janis has shared some beautiful memories and events in the lifetime of her granddaughter. Caroline's remarkable journey on this earth has undoubtedly blessed many others, fulfilling God's plans and purposes for her life.
As Caroline has been called to her heavenly home, my heart is with the DeLuca family.
Charlotte J.
John and Lana Geddes
March 29, 2016
Caroline is a beautiful little girl. I know she will make the same wonderful impression in heaven as she did to everyone who knew her for her short time here. Sent with blessings from John and Lana Geddes
Kathryn Richard
March 29, 2016
My heart is breaking hearing this news. Caroline was such a sweet girl. My Caroline benefited greatly from her time at The Caroline School where she loved holding your Caroline's hand. Your family will be in my prayers.
GiGi Carter
March 29, 2016
I am so thankful to have been a part of Caroline's life. Knowing her and spending so much precious time with her gave me a different outlook on life and blessings! It was a blessing to know Caroline. She was so strong and happy. No matter what she was going through she could always give you a BEAUTIFUL smile. I thank you Caroline for teaching me the true meaning of LOVE!! I LOVE YOU CAROLINE! I will miss you but I will see you again! God Bless You and your Family!
March 29, 2016
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalms 116:15
March 29, 2016
May the God of all comfort be with you in this time of mourning. Psalms 145:18,19
March 29, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family. The hardest pain to endure is the loss of a loved one. Please be assured that God is close to the broken hearted. (Psalm 35:18 )
MT
March 29, 2016
I am so sorry to hear about Caroline's passing. Thank you, DeLuca family, for making her life so meaningful and supporting the Caroline School and Easter Seals. Easter Seals has really helped me as the parent of a child with cerebral palsy. He also enjoys Challenger baseball. We will miss Caroline at the games! Elizabeth Batten, mother of Michael Batten (Cardinals).
Sylvia Horne
March 29, 2016
It was a true blessing to see how committed Caroline's family was to advancement of care and research at every step along the way. Blessings!
Nan Robinson
March 29, 2016
We will remember those sparking brown eyes and that magical smile forever, as our Caroline lives on in our hearts today, tomorrow, and always. You are all in our hearts and prayers,
Nan Robinson and Family
March 28, 2016
My thoughts are with the family in the time of grief. May you memories bring you comfort during these difficult days (Psalms 9:9,10).
L.S.
Jeffery Christman
March 28, 2016
May the peace of God's love keep and comfort you and your family through your grief.
The Kinkaids
March 28, 2016
We are so sorry for your family's loss.
Yolanda Pierre
March 28, 2016
As always, my thoughts, prayers, and love are with you at this time. My baby, Caroline, is in the good hands of the Lord and I'm thankful for having known and taught her.
The Barones
March 28, 2016
With love and prayers for Caroline and the DeLuca family--CiCi, Mike, and the girls
KJ
March 28, 2016
With deepest sympathy for your loss ,may almighty God grant you the strength to get through this difficult time Ps 9:9,10
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Church of St. John the Divine
2450 River Oaks Blvd, Houston, TX
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