Caroline Dobbs

Caroline Dobbs of Raleigh, NC, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the age of 84. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 7, 1942, Caroline (Carrie) was the daughter of the late Claire and Luther Dobbs. Though she began her life in the South, she lived most of her life in New York before ultimately making North Carolina her permanent home.

Carrie was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Claire and Luther Dobbs; her brothers, Luther Dobbs and Lloyd Dobbs; and heartbreakingly, her two grandchildren, Angela Elsa-Marie Castelo and Michael Richard Swanson, whom she held very close to her heart.

After overcoming a difficult childhood, Carrie's greatest triumph and her proudest achievement was raising a wonderful, strong, and close-knit family. Nothing brought her more genuine happiness than spending time with her grandchildren,

Carrie leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love through her three devoted children: Marie (Rich) Minozzi-Swanson, Katherine (Mike) Castelo, and Michael (Amy) Minozzi. She was the proud grandmother of seven surviving grandchildren: Christian, Ryan, Christopher, Matthew, Ava, Kennen, and Lucas, and was delighted to know her great-grandchild, Carter.

A fierce advocate for the vulnerable, Carrie championed social justice her entire life. These powerful values—of fairness, equality, and compassion for those on the margins—were more than just beliefs; they were lessons she actively taught and ensured were passed down to her children and future generations.

Carrie was an incredibly kind and compassionate person; it really drove everything she did. She was full of unconditional love, which she extended to everyone—both people and animals alike. There was a light about her that was immediately warm and welcoming. She had an incredible ability to connect with people from all walks of life, making them feel truly understood and appreciated. For those who knew her best, her sense of humor brought joy. She is fondly remembered with many stories that end in laughter.

Caroline possessed an immediate warmth and left an undeniable mark on the world. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In honor of her lifelong dedication to and love for animals, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be considered in Caroline’s name to the ASPCA, by using the link below, under 'Donations', or a local animal shelter.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Carrie, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.