Carolyn Mae Gargasz

Carolyn Cox Gargasz passed away January 31, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 24, 1938, in Aberdeen, Washington, to Arthur Cox and Gladys (Carpenter) Cox. Carolyn spent her childhood in Washington State, where she cherished time at the family cabin on Puget Sound. She attended the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned a degree in Economics.
After college, Carolyn moved to New York City and worked in publishing at Universal Publishing and Distributing. She found humor in the fact that she worked for Ski Magazine despite not being an avid skier in a family full of them.
Carolyn later moved to Rome, New York, where she taught second grade. It was there that she met Lou Gargasz, an officer in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base base. The two married in 1964 and spent nearly 61 years together.
In 1966, Carolyn and Lou moved to Hollis, New Hampshire, as Lou transitioned into a career in the defense industry following his Air Force service. In 1969, they relocated with their two young children to Famagusta, Cyprus, where they spent four years enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle, making lifelong friends, and traveling throughout the Middle East and Europe. In 1973, they returned to Hollis, and after a brief stay in Sugarloaf Key, Florida. During these travels, they maintained their home in Hollis to which they returned after the Florida assignment.
Carolyn was the heart of her family-a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was known for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering support. An excellent cook, she created a cherished family cookbook that has become a treasured legacy, continually expanded by new generations. Family dinners were more than meals; they were opportunities for discussion, debate, and life lessons. Carolyn especially enjoyed family time at Loon Lake in Plymouth, New Hampshire, which became a second home over the years. She loved to swim and found great joy in the water.
Her dedication to family extended to her community. Lou affectionately called her a "professional volunteer," a title she more than earned. She co-founded the S-Team, a community volunteer organization focused on preventing youth substance abuse. Carolyn was deeply involved in civic and community organizations, serving as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Hollis Circle of Home and Family, and as both a member and President of the Hollis Woman's Club. She also co-founded the now-beloved Hollis Old Home Days. Carolyn's passion for service led her to follow in her mother's footsteps, serving as an elected Representative in the New Hampshire House for 18 years, beginning in 2000. Her mother, Gladys Cox had served for 12 years when she relocated to New Hampshire. Most of Carolyn's tenure was on the Children and Family Law Committee, where she eventually became Chair. She played a key role in prioritizing children's well-being in divorce legislation and was honored with the Voice for Children award for her contributions. She also helped establish the Legislative Youth Advisory Council and served as its manager for a decade. Additionally, Carolyn served on the board of the NH Office of Volunteerism and organized statewide conferences promoting volunteer initiatives.
On a national level, she served as Vice President for Public Policy for Family and Community Education and was an active member of the National Task Force on Television Violence. Her commitment to global community efforts took her to international conferences with the Associated Country Women of the World in Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Most notably, Carolyn was cherished by all for her humility, grace, curiosity, and unwavering acceptance of others-qualities her friends and family will forever remember and aspire to embody.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Lou; daughter, Luann Sipe of Enfield, NH; son, John Gargasz, and his wife, Laura Gargasz, of Hollis, NH; grandchildren, Nicole Sipe of Maine, Ian Gargasz, and Kaitlyn Gargasz; her brother, William Cox of Vail, Arizona; and nieces and nephews, Christa Andruczk, Candice Luker, Chad Cox, Marc Garcia, Eric Garcia and Tiffany Garcia. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Carol Cox.
Carolyn lived a life of purpose, love, and service. Her warmth, wisdom, and generosity touched countless lives, and her legacy will continue through the family, friends, and communities she so deeply impacted.
Rest in peace, Carolyn, Mom, Grandma.
SERVICES: A service will be held at 3 pm on Friday, February 21st at the Hollis Congregational Church, 3 Monument Square, Hollis, NH, followed immediately by a celebration of life at Alpine Grove, 19 S. Depot Road, Hollis, NH.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Marguerites Place, 87 Palm Street, Nashua, New Hampshire 03060, or visit them online at https://margueritesplace.org/donation/ The Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St, Nashua, NH, has been placed in charge of arrangements. (603)883-3401 "ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER."