Rose Maria Carroll

With hearts full of love and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Rose Maria Carroll, 81, of Dameron, MD, who left this world on March 21, 2025, at Southern Maryland Hospital. Born on September 16, 1943, in Washington, D.C., she was the beloved daughter of Nettie D. Murphy and Warren G. Burke Sr. Rose was the true blooming rose of our family—her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her. She was the loving wife of the late Donald H. Carroll, whom she married on December 2, 1961, at St. George’s Catholic Church in Valley Lee, MD. Together, they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and shared adventures. She is survived by her devoted brother, Warren G. Burke Jr. (Helen) of Ridge, MD, and her cherished sister, Nettie Lee Hall of Bushwood, MD. Rose’s family extended far and wide, and she was deeply loved by her brothers-in-law: Ed Carroll (Diane) of Lexington Park, MD; Tony Carroll (Marie) of Scotland, MD; Charles Carroll (Joanne); and Emerick Norris of St. Inigoes, MD. She was also adored by her sisters-in-law: Sandra Gerek of Park Hall, MD; Peggy Vallandingham of Ridge, MD; and Salinda Mae Carroll of Ridge, MD, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald H. Carroll, her parents, and her brothers-in-law, Frankie Carroll, Roger Carroll, and Thomas Hall Sr., as well as her sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Norris, Elaine Carroll, Joan Cochran, and Barbara Smith. A lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, MD, Rose graduated from St. Mary’s Academy High School for Girls in 1961. She worked side by side with Donnie at Don’s Sunoco in Lexington Park, where they made lasting friendships with their community. Rose found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time on their boat, the Rose Maria II, fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Her heart was drawn to the melodies of old-time country, gospel, and bluegrass music. She delighted in gathering with family, sharing laughter and stories, and cherishing the company of her nieces and nephews, whom she adored. She found peace in sewing and quilting, and autumn was her favorite season—especially trips to her beloved home in the West Virginia mountains, where she marveled at the vibrant fall colors. She also loved strolling along the beach of the Chesapeake Bay in front of her in-laws’ homestead, where she found serenity in the sand and waves. Rose’s memory will forever bloom in the hearts of those who loved her. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Ridge, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Lexington Park, MD. Pallbearers will be Ed Carroll, Tommy Hall Jr., James (Jimmy) Hall, Paul Klear, Ricky Norris, and J.T. Thompson. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rose’s honor to the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad (P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680) and the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department (P.O. Box 520, Ridge, MD 20680).