Carole Rocherolle

1945 - 2024

Carole Rocherolle
10/1/2024
Carole "Gayatri" Rocherolle, of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024 in La Jolla, CA surrounded by family. She was 79.
Gayatri was born on July 15, 1945 in New York, the second of three children to Lester Avnet and Joan Grossman Avnet. At a young age, her family moved from Brooklyn to Kings Point, Long Island. After graduating from Great Neck North, she earned a BA in English from Tufts University and NYU in 1967. That same year she wed Jerome "Gangadhar" Rocherolle of Scarsdale, NY. The two settled in Stamford, CT where they have made their home for more than 55 years. Together they built the noted landscape design and nursery, Shanti Bithi, in North Stamford which was open for nearly 50 years beginning in 1972. Starting as a simple flower stand on High Ridge Road, the business matured to some 40 employees and included the pre-eminent bonsai collection in North America showcased in museums, movies, and on the Martha Stewart Show. Gayatri was an accomplished writer who published 3 books including a two-part series entitled "The Landscape Diaries - Garden of Obsession" where she chronicled her business and life experiences.
A longtime follower of spiritual master Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007) who was based in Queens, NY, Gayatri studied meditation and led an active lifestyle that included running long distances. She completed numerous NYC Marathons and ultramarathons. In her late 40s she took up sprinting, competing in the 100 and 200 meters attaining an age group ranking and competing in the World Master's Track and Field Championships in 1993.
She was known for her boundless energy, enthusiasm, and youthful demeanor.
She is survived by her husband Gangadhar, and her two sons, Durdam Rocherolle of La Jolla, CA, and Narendra Rocherolle and his wife Julie and their two children who reside in Mill Valley, CA. She also leaves her brother Jon Avnet and sister Rosalind Avnet and many extended family who will miss her dearly.