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LONG BEACH -- Dorothy Carrubba loved to teach, sharing her knowledge, whether it be in English class or in her home, passing on lessons on quilting, knitting and crocheting to her daughters and granddaughters.
Carrubba died Sunday from a stroke. She was 83. But it was her life that friends and family remember most.
Carrubba worked for the president at Abbot Laboratories before moving on to Sears. She also taught in the Long Beach school system for 25 years.
Marlin Ladner, a Harrison County supervisor who worked with Carrubba at Long Beach schools, said she was one of the most dedicated teachers he'd ever had the pleasure to work with.
"She expected the kids to achieve, but she also had a caring aspect. She took her job and her responsibilities seriously. She's what I would call a really dedicated teacher."
Her daughter, Kathy Matthews, said her mother began the first remedial classes at Long Beach.
"She felt like some of the students were being missed and she felt it was important that they be reached," Matthews said.
Matthews said she spoke with her mother every day.
"I didn't only love my mother. I liked her. She was my friend."
Carrubba was remembered by the Rev. Louis Lohan as a woman of faith.
"She was very faithful and faith-filled," he said. "She was an inspiration. And to me, she seemed to be a woman of tremendous patience, especially with taking care of Pete as he aged and became disabled."
Her husband, Pete Carrubba, has been in declining health and was not with his wife of 62 years when she died.
"I had to tell my daddy that she had had a second stroke and passed," Matthews said, tears in her voice. "He said, 'She was the love of my life and I will miss her.'"
Matthews said he cried for his wife, which in turn made her cry.
"He just took my hand and said, 'It's OK, Baby. It'll be OK.' Then he started praying the "Our Father" for my mother.
"I'm very blessed to have the parents I've had."
The two met when Carrubba saw a handsome Army captain walking across campus at Ole Miss.
"That did it for her," said her daughter, Marilyn Franke, who followed her mother into education.
Carrubba's students, too, remembered their teacher as strict but fair, and the sense of humor her children and friends recalled was seen by her students as well.
Carrolyn Hamilton, now superintendent of Long Beach schools, was a student in Carrubba's 8th grade advanced English class.
"She was an outstanding teacher who made class interesting and challenging and I loved going to her class," Hamilton said. "She also kept up with her students afterward. She had an impact on a lot of children in Long Beach schools."
Carrubba was known for her knitting and crocheting skills, and loved passing on the knowledge. In fact, when her husband was at the Dixie White House nursing home, she would bring her work along and taught several of the patients there to crochet as well so they would have something to do.
Franke said a great example of her mother's joy for life happened one morning when she went outside to get the morning paper.
"It was really early and there was a full moon. My brother was outside, but she didn't know it and when she was walking back from getting the paper, the moon was behind her and she kept lifting her arms up and down.
"My brother asked her, 'Are you arms hurting?' She said, 'No, I was just dancing with my shadow.'"
Visitation will be on Friday at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church from 8:30-9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 9:30 a.m. and interment will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street in Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.
24 Entries
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Carrubba. She was my 8th grade English teacher my first year in Long Beach. She really challenged me in her class. I extend my sympathy to you from the Ferguson Family.
Kristi Ferguson
April 30, 2014
I meet your mother countless times. I work at Champion Chrysler, where she would come in to get her car serviced. I talked to here ever time she came in and I felt I knew her personally. She was a very kind and sweet person, whom never meet strangers. Mrs. Carrubba you will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Belinda Taylor
April 2, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Such wonderful memories of Mrs. Carrubba! May the wonderful memories fill your hearts with comfort.
Angie Alexander Johnson
April 2, 2014
So sorry for your great loss.
Mary Ann McDonald
April 2, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Anna McLendon Nichols
April 1, 2014
Pete, Karen and family,
We're so sorry to learn of your mother's sudden passing. We think of you often. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Buffy and Jerry Stevenson
Buffy Stevenson
April 1, 2014
Marilyn, Gary, and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear Mother.
May you find peace knowing she is in a better place. God bless you and comfort you all.
Danny and Jane Boone
March 30, 2014
Clayton,
I was sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I will keep you and Peggy in my thoughts and prayers.
Jan Fountain
Antioch, TN
March 28, 2014
Marilyn, Gary and family, So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Know you are in are thoughts and prayers. Daniel and Lisa
March 28, 2014
To Carrubba family, I know you Mother is with Jesus and you will always miss her. But know for sure that she is near when you need her. Peace be with you. Robbie, Doug and Amber Clark
March 28, 2014
Our deepest sympathy.
John McAdams family & staff
March 28, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss and praying for you all, God Bless. Cathy and Lou Bergeron
March 27, 2014
To the Carrubba family - Your Mom has been a terrific neighbor for 34 years, we have weathered many a storm together. She was also a legend as an English teacher - certainly responsible for one of my children majoring in English through an MFA and now working as an Editor - no telling how many lives she touched in this way! Mrs. Dorothy will be missed on Pineville Rd, and in our hearts for a long time to come. Our deepest sympathies to you all.
Welch-Mesick Family
March 27, 2014
May peace be with the entire family and may she know peace to her journey home.
A teacher to some, but she unknowingly taught us all.
Kathleen Penny - Hill
March 27, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow
Judi Smith
March 27, 2014
Mrs. Carruba was my English teacher in 1979. The foundation that she gave me in English was exceptional. She was a wonderful teacher and a kind woman. I am so sorry for your loss. Julie Bogart Scialdone
March 27, 2014
Ray and Clayton,
I am very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Tam and I extend our sympathies to you both and your entire family.
Gerald Pitalo
March 27, 2014
We extend our sincere sympathy and value your trust during this time of remembrance and reflection. We pledge our support now and in the future.
The Staff and Management of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Homes
March 27, 2014
So very sorry to hear of Mrs.
Carrubba's passing. She was an inspiration to students, teachers and family. God bless her and her family. May she rest in peace.
March 26, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you go through this hard time. I have such fond memories of Ms Dorothy. KC Ladies Auxiliary would have not been any fun without her. She always had those twinkling eyes and smile. She will be deeply missed.
Christine DiLorenzo
March 26, 2014
Ray and Clayton,
I am extremely sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family
Frank Niolet
March 26, 2014
I love you all.
cindy pitts
March 26, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with Pete and all of the family of Ms. Dorothy on her passing. She has left all of you with precious memories and a beautiful legacy! God be with you, strengthen you, and give you peace during this difficult time! What a celebration in Heaven though!
Mrs. Debi (Little) Payne
March 26, 2014
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)
March 26, 2014
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