Obituary
Carole Ainslie Cunningham, 78, passed away at her home in Fort Myers, FL., on April 12, 2021. Born September 12, 1942, in London, Ontario, Canada, she was the daughter of Elmer Cunningham and Eva Elliott. Carole was a registered nurse for many years prior to retirement. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Rose of Albion, PA and her six children—David (Maria), Ainslie, Kathlyn (Jim), John Joseph (Alexandra), Bob Jr., and John Matthew (Erin).
Her children describe her as a stubborn woman of grace. Carole could put one at ease even if you had never met her before and was always willing to listen and give advice. She expertly raised 6 children (4 engineers, 5 Florida Gators), and funded 2 sets of braces (same kid). She enjoyed steak, blue crab, daiquiri ice cream, binged KFC buttermilk biscuits, strong coffee and menthol cigarettes. Carole bred Tonkinese cats, but put up with rabbits, snakes, lizards, ferrets and a tarantula. She also loved reading romance novels, square dancing, karaoke, playing cards and wearing glittery clothes and shoes to match her brilliantly colorful nails. Carole amazed her kids with her ability to ensure the Easter bunny always arrived while the family was visiting relatives in Canada. To her children, she passed on her love of cats and cat naps. Bob Rose, her dream man took Carole hither and yon, to see children, grandchildren, graduations, weddings, family in Canada, concerts, and lovingly cared for her. She is fondly remembered by all and loved by anyone who knew her. Her grandchildren- David Ryan (Naomi), John Michael and James Matthew (Audrey) were fortunate to have such a loving and generous Grandma in their lives. They will remember trips to Disney World, messy bedrooms, and a Grandma that loved them with all her heart.
We will all miss her smile and wit, and laugh while reminiscing about her antics.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Foundation, a charity Carole was sincerely passionate about. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
Many years ago, at a point in my life when I was feeling a distinct lack of "family," I met some amazing people who were kind enough to accept me for a while as part of theirs. Time has flown and our lives have diverged, but my love and appreciation of the Mackovjak clan has never for a moment lapsed or lessened.
Carole fought monsters, but no matter how fierce the battles raged, she never quit. To blatantly steal a line from The Hotel New Hampshire (a book she loved and shared with me), she kept “passing the open windows.”
She was as flawed as any of us, but stronger than most, and she was one of my personal heroes.
Right now, my heart is breaking and my cheeks are wet. But I know soon I’ll be able to focus on happier days and on memories of laughter and love and coffee and cats…oh, so damn many cats!
And I will always feel blessed to have known this wonderful human being.
Please know you all have my sympathy, and my love.
--Rob (rvallison@hotmail.com)
Alexandra
Pic of Carole
Her nurse graduation picture