Carol Anne McLeroy-Loo

December 23, 1943 -- April 20, 2015

Carol Anne McLeroy-Loo, age 71, passed away peacefully at her home in San Jose, on Monday, April 20, after a long illness with cancer.

Carol was born on December 23, 1943, in San Jose, to Dr. Fortini and Anne (Figone) Gallo . Carol’s outgoing personality, throughout her life, reflected her happy childhood. She was born into a large family, one of six siblings, with strong ties to the Italian American community in the Bay Area. She grew up with aunts, grandparents and cousins living within blocks of her home on the family orchard off Jackson Street in San Jose.

Instilled early, family values were of paramount importance to Carol. Her main focus in life was raising her two sons, and enjoying all her grandchildren. She was the anchor and the source of love to all near her.

Carol graduated from Notre Dame High School , in San Jose, active in student activities, including being student body president. Carol attended San Jose State University and graduated with a degree in English. She continued taking graduate classes in art and education certification. Upon graduation, Carol taught English literature, and was also a counselor, at several high schools in San Jose, as well as Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill.

Concluding her teaching career, Carol pursued her passion in the arts and crafts, where she expanded her love for painting in water colors, sculpting with clay, and working with textiles. She collected antique fabric, became an expert quilter, knitted wool and made felt artifacts, and learned to weave.

She subsequently launched a successful business, designing and creating fine art dolls for premiere retailers and collectors, utilizing her talents in fabric design and sculpting. Her interest in old beautiful things, led to a retail antique business, for many years, as well.

Above all, Carol loved fine pottery, particularly from Italy and Quimper faience from France, and collected many pieces of antique china. Carol was an expert at ceramic restoration and repair, thoroughly enjoying bringing “ life” back to old ceramic items.

She was also passionate about gardening and enjoyed many hours working in her backyard creating beautiful landscapes with a great variety of roses, and other flowers.

In February 2002, Carol married Milton Loo, her loving companion of many years. Carol and Milton traveled extensively, during their marriage, visiting Spain, China, Italy, Switzerland, England, Greece, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, going on cruises to South America, the Caribbean , New Zealand and Europe, and especially enjoyed the annual vacations with family in Hawaii and at Lake Tahoe . During their travels, Carol always spent time exploring the local crafts, and added to her collection of artifacts, each one a treasured memory. Carol also expanded her repertoire of interests to include Cal football and basketball games.

Carol is survived by her husband, Milton; two sons, Christopher (Jill) McLeroy, Dr. Jeffrey (Linda) McLeroy; a step-daughter, Carole (Loo) (Kevin) Hannan; four grandchildren, Talia (Christopher) McLeroy , Ali and Farideh (Jeffrey) McLeroy, and Sean (Carole) Hannan; four siblings, Marianne (Gallo) Thompson, James Gallo, Suzanne (Gallo) Teal , and Janet (Gallo) Colby; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Fortini and Anne Gallo, and a brother John Gallo.

A Celebration of Carol’s Life memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 11 am. at the Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, followed by a reception at Mariani’s Restaurant in Santa Clara.

Donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice.

Creativity, benevolence, strength.