Caroline Longe

FRANKLIN - Caroline Mary Longe passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at UVM Medical Center following a long illness. Throughout her journey, Caroline taught us how to live and she taught us how to die-with immense strength, courage, and dignity.

Caroline was born in Burlington, Vermont on November 27, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Janette (Pecor) Sharlow and Maurice Sharlow. Caroline was raised and graduated in Milford, CT.

Above all things, Caroline's greatest passion was her family. Her love for them was fierce, unconditional, and the true anchor of her life. She created a warm, welcoming home where everyone felt cherished, and she poured her whole heart into being a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a proud grandmother.

Caroline was a woman of many talents who found great joy in the creative and quiet wonders of life. She loved working on crafts, cooking, and baking for those she cherished. This was especially true around the holidays, when her kitchen would fill with warmth and she would make her famous, beloved fudge. She also tended to the earth with a gentle touch, and her vibrant flower beds-filled with the striking blooms of her dahlias and the classic beauty of her roses-were a testament to her patience and love.

Caroline held a deep affection for all wildlife, feeding the squirrels, chipmunks, and any animal that crossed her path. Her truest love belonged to the birds that frequented her yard, especially the hummingbirds. Just like those tiny, resilient jewels of nature, Caroline brought a tireless energy and a flickering light into the lives of everyone who knew her. She knew how to harvest the beauty of each season, pouring her love into canning and preserving the fruits of her labor to share with the family and friends who meant the world to her.

Caroline married her beloved husband and best friend, Ronald "Ronnie" James Longe, on March 5, 1977. Together, they made their first home in Berkshire, then Paris, TN, before retiring to Franklin, where they were looking forward to celebrating their milestone 50th wedding anniversary this coming March.

Caroline is survived by a very large and deeply devoted family. In addition to her loving husband Ronnie, she leaves behind her daughters, Anita Howard, Yvonne Howard, and Jennifer Longe O'Leary and her husband William "Billy" O'Leary. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, whom she loved with all of her heart: granddaughters Olivia, Eliza, Elizabeth, Madalyn Rose, grandson, Ryan. Caroline also leaves behind her faithful and beloved pet dog, Skooter, who brought her so much companionship and joy.

Caroline will be missed tremendously by countless extended family members and close friends, including her brothers-in-law Pat, Steve Longe and his wife Janet, Tim Longe and his wife Cindy, and sister-in-law Diane Longe Chaffee, sister-in-law Linda Longe Nelson and her husband Jim. Caroline also leaves many, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved son, Matt; her parents, Janette and Maurice Sharlow; her parent-in-law, Billy and Beatrice Longe; her sister-in-law, Marjolaine Longe; her brothers-in-law, David Chaffee; Roy Rivers and her nephew, Joey Longe.

Friends & family are invited to Caroline's life celebration on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Avenue, Enosburg Falls, VT to include visitation from 10-11:00 AM followed with a memorial service at 11:00 AM. Following her service, she will be laid to rest at the East Berkshire Cemetery, where she will rest peacefully next to her son, Matt, and her in-laws, Beatrice and Billy Longe.

Though Caroline has taken flight, her spirit will forever dance in the gardens she cultivated, bloom in the flowers she planted, and soar alongside the birds she so dearly treasured.

For those who wish, contributions in Caroline's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com.