Nina Teresi Carroll

CARROLL

NINA TERESI CARROLL

Nina Teresi Carroll died peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 in Alexandria, Virginia. She is survived by her son, James W. Carroll, Jr., and his wife, Mary D. Carroll, and daughter, Theresa Carroll Buchanan, and her husband, Thomas M. Buchanan. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Thomas M. Buchanan, Jr. and his wife, Victoria; Margaret Carroll Jentsch, and her husband, Max; James W. Buchanan, and his wife, Lauren; James W. Carroll, III, and his wife, Victoria; and Ian J. Carroll; as well as two great-grandchildren: Mia Carroll and Esther Jentsch. Mrs. Carroll was predeceased by all three of her husbands: James W. Carroll, a former Alexandria City Councilmember, John (Jack) Bogle, an Alexandria businessman; and Dr. Bruce L. Gilmore, an Alexandria physician.



Mrs. Carroll was born in Alexandria to Joseph and Mary Teresi, and graduated from George Washington High School, and from Virginia Intermont College. After college, she joined her parents in the family business, Alexandria Floral Co., Inc. She and her first husband, Jim Carroll, took over the business from her parents and operated it together until his death in 1984. She continued to successfully run the business on her own for more than 25 years until her retirement.



Nina Carroll was an accomplished businesswoman. Alexandria Floral Co. was repeatedly recognized by Florists Transworld Delivery (FTD) as one of the top 100 florists in the country. Mrs. Carroll also was involved in many business organizations, serving as President of the Alexandria Soroptimists, on the board of the Virginia District of FTD, and on committees with the Society of American Florists, the Northern Virginia Florists Association, and the Alexandria Business and Professional Women's Club. Mrs. Carroll was also a member of the Alexandria Rotary Club. The Alexandria City Council appointed her to serve on the Alexandria Sister City Committee and the Alexandria Beautification Commission.



Mrs. Carroll was loved by her employees, some of whom worked for her for most of their careers. She also employed dozens of local high school students; many successful Alexandria business people and professionals had their first job with Alexandria Floral Co. Her customers also loved her, with many purchasing flowers from her for over 50 years. She provided the flowers for thousands of weddings and Mrs. Carroll was always present to ensure that every order was perfectly executed. She greeted every customer with a bright smile and friendly hello. Her exacting eye and high standards ensured that only the most beautiful floral arrangements were her trademark .



Nina Carroll had numerous life-long friends, a tribute to her kind and generous heart. After having provided flowers to Alexandrians for her entire working life, many residents of Goodwin House, where she spent the last years of her life, knew her even before she arrived, and loved being in her presence. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.



Her life will be celebrated at a funeral mass on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary, 310 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, Virginia, followed by interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. Her family will also be receiving visitors on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, Virginia.