Sophie Theresa Carroll, 96, of Newtown, died at Danbury Hospital after a brief illness November 23, with her family by her side. She was born in Ansonia, Conn., and was the daughter of the late Magdelena and Dominick Daunis.

Mrs Carroll had a joyful and giving heart and was always ready to help those in need, either by driving friends to appointments, church, or shopping, or making one of her delicious lemon meringue pies, as her way of saying, “Thanks.”

Remembered as a great cook, she enjoyed working in the kitchens at Barden’s, Pitney Bowes, and as a cook at St Rose of Lima Church in Newtown. A 34-year resident of Nunnawauk Meadows, she enjoyed the friendship of many of her neighbors.

Mrs Carroll’s greatest joy and pleasure in life was being with her children and family, and attending St Rose. She had a real joy for living, and also loved to be near the ocean. She will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Her five children, Kathleen Ferris, and husband Frederick, of Newtown, Margaret Jensen of Kyle, Texas, and Sharyn Demers, and husband Raymond, Thomas Carroll, and Mary Carroll, all of Brookfield; 16 grandchildren, Lisa and Scott Jensen of Texas, Jill Gauthier of Rhode Island, Jennifer Willard and Michele Carroll of Massachusetts, James Carroll, Jr, of Florida, Frederick Ferris, Jr, of Newtown, Susan Mykulowycz and Tami La Valla of Massachusetts, David "Chip" Gaines of Brookfield, Tracy Gaines of California, Dena Davey and Keri Gaines of New Milford, Celia Carroll of Colorado, and Sasha Petrovick of Maine; 24 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren survive Mrs Carroll. Her husband, Vincent F. Carroll; her brothers Stanley, Frank, and Dominic; her son, James V. Carroll; and her grandson Jon M. Petrovick predeceased her.

The family wants to give special thanks to Maxine Forrest, Mrs Carroll’s caregiver for the past two years. She is an extraordinary person who took wonderful care of Mrs Carroll in her home, and showed her so much love.

A private burial will take place at Newtown Village Cemetery, at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kevin’s Community Center, PO Box 37, Newtown CT 06470.

Honan’s Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, is handling arrangements.