Obituary of Carrie Marie Gillotte

Carita “Carrie” Gillotte, age 71, succumbed to ovarian cancer on March 17, 2018 at her home in Clifton, VA, surrounded by family. She was born May 19, 1946 to Maxwell and Hazel Brane at their home in Wexford, PA. Carrie attended high school at Sacred Heart in Pittsburgh, PA and attended Seton Hill College for two years before transferring to the Math Department at Niagara University.

Carrie was united in Holy Matrimony with Michael “Mike” J. Gillotte, Jr. on July 12, 1969 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Wexford. Carrie and Mike met at Niagara University where they completed their undergraduate studies. Upon college graduation in 1968, Carrie’s professional career began in Essex Junction, VT with IBM, and upon relocation to Troy, NY, Carrie worked for General Electric. After 4 successful years with General Electric, the family relocated to Rome, NY, where she shifted her career focus to management of her family. In 1976, she became an active member of Saint Paul’s Catholic Church, where she taught children about the Catholic faith.

In 1986, Carrie and family relocated to Clifton, VA, where she lived until the time of her passing. Following many years at home guiding her children, in 1988 she turned to her talents of management and analytics, rising through a series of positions to fill an Information Technology Director role at George Mason University. Carrie then proceeded from 2007-2012 to become an Information Technology Director responsible for overseeing installation of student systems at Georgetown University. In addition, she was deeply involved in her church ministries. After participating as a student in the JustFaith program at St. John Neumann Catholic Community, she was co-leader of two social justice programs that pertained to the environment and immigration. In addition, she expanded her ministry work through volunteering at the Hypothermia Prevention Shelter, and also provided spiritual guidance to a candidate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program. Carrie also taught the English language to adults.

Carrie is predeceased by her parents. She is survived by Mike, her best friend and loving husband of 48 years, who will forever cherish her beautiful life, as will their four children: Kristin Taylor of San Diego, CA, Michelle Pachter (Alan) of Fairfax, VA, Stephen Gillotte (Rebekah) of Ashburn, VA and Timothy Gillotte (Emily) of Falls Church, VA; and their 8 grandchildren: Melanie, Kyle, Kloe, Jacob, Aiden, Lucia, Josephine, and Maxwell. She is also fondly remembered by her older brothers, Ralph and Richard Brane.

She approached life with deep spirit and had many interests. Some of her greatest passions included spending time with her family at the Outer Banks, NC; exploring oceans and lakes, mountains and natural wonders through hiking, camping, bicycling, snorkeling, and kayaking; traveling with Mike around the globe; learning about the family ancestry through genealogy; and enjoying meals with family and friends. She was a talented seamstress, knitter, and lover of intricate needlepoint projects, and enjoyed reading and working on puzzles. Genealogy was such a passion, that she earned a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University Center for Professional Education in 2011. Many of Carrie’s favorite moments were spent relaxing on her deck with Mike, her children, and grandchildren nearby.

The family will receive friends at the Adams Green funeral home in Herndon, VA on Sunday, March 25, 2018 (5:00-8:00 PM). Carrie’s life will be blessed and celebrated at a Catholic Funeral Liturgy at St. John Neumann Catholic Community in Reston, VA on Monday, March 26, 2018 (11:00 AM), and a burial service will follow at Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Herndon, VA.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Britepaths (britepaths.org), an organization meaningful to Carrie. The family would like to express deep gratitude for the loving care offered by the staff of Pro-HealthCare Servicing, Pinnacle Touch Home Care, and Compassus Hospice, and for all that encouraged and supported Carrie as she bravely sought lasting solutions for her ovarian cancer. The family also asks for prayers that effective cures for ovarian cancer are quickly identified.