Elisa Carroll Dennehy

Elisa Carroll Dennehy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, at the age of 62, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Elisa resided in her childhood home in Charlotte, NC, where she touched the lives of many with her passion for music, her kindness, and her unyielding love for her family. Her relationship with Jesus was the cornerstone of her life, filling her with joy, compassion, and love, and inspiring all who knew her to walk in faith and grace.

Born to Tommy and Libby Carroll in Charlotte, Elisa was affectionately known as "Fluff" by her father due to her soft, fluffy curls. Elisa attended Carmel Junior High and graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1980. She went on to pursue her love for music at Appalachian State University, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 1984. During her first year at ASU, Elisa starred as Cinderella in the university’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. She also met her future husband, Robert, whom she lovingly referred to as her "Prince Charming." Elisa was an active member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and enjoyed treasured memories with her sorority sisters.

On Christmas Eve 1985, Robert proposed, and they married on July 19, 1986, on a hot summer day. Their love for each other would endure across decades, as they moved together to Williamsburg, VA, then Raleigh, NC, before returning to Charlotte in 1992. Their family grew with the birth of their three daughters: Emily, Megan, and Caroline.

Elisa's love for her husband, Robert, and their daughters was the foundation of her life. She adored spending time with her family, whether enjoying bluegrass music with Robert on their back porch or sharing special moments with her daughters, laughing and talking with them multiple times each day. Her daughters will forever treasure the silliness, acceptance, joy, and unconditional love she brought into their lives. Her voice and touch were a constant source of comfort, encouragement, and healing in their lives. Each of them considered her their best friend.

Elisa also loved spending time at Lake Norman with her mom, dad, sister, nieces and nephew. She treasured the beautiful sunsets, meals shared together, and time spent enjoying the water.

In 1997, she began teaching lower school music at Charlotte Christian School. Over her 24 years of service, she directed 13 mainstage musicals, organized annual Christmas and Easter programs, and co-led the middle school praise band. In her own words, her time at CCS was "her calling and passion — instilling a love for the Lord and music into many students' lives." Her passion for nurturing and building confidence in others left a lasting impact on many students who fondly remembered her.

Elisa retired in 2022 to devote more time to her growing family, especially her grandchildren. She found immense joy in her role as a grandmother. In 2020, she became "Fluff Fluff" to her first grandchild, Micah. Her bond with Micah was one of deep love, as they cherished every moment spent together. Elisa later welcomed her two other grandchildren, Camden and Ruthie, with the same humor and joy that defined her. She was eagerly anticipating the birth of her fourth grandchild, Madelyn Elisa, in June 2025, who will carry her name.

Elisa is survived by her mother, Elizabeth Carroll; her husband, Robert Dennehy; daughters Emily Harland (Michael), Megan Daniel (Will), and Caroline Dennehy; her grandchildren Micah and Camden Harland, and Ruthie Daniel; her best friend and sister, Trina Garrett (Robert); sisters-in-law Gidget Dennehy (Chris Driggs), Diane Bullock (Michael), Linda Dennehy, and Kathy Tighe; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved granddogs Ellie and Frankie. She was preceded in death by her father, Tommy Carroll, who she is now joyfully reunited with in her eternal home.

A celebration of Elisa's life will be held on Saturday, March 1, at 2:00 PM in the Center for Worship and Performing Arts at Charlotte Christian School. An informal time of reception and visitation will follow the service.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute for their compassionate care of Elisa throughout her cancer journey. In particular, they extend their gratitude to Elisa's oncologist, Dr. Kudal Kadakia, for his expertise and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Charlotte Christian School Fine Arts department in Elisa's honor, continuing her legacy of nurturing creativity and faith in future generations. (Link: https://bngn.blackbaud.school/?id=ddkgeazvww0#/home/)

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.