Carolyn Anne McGuire Gross

November 11, 1951 – September 9, 2025

Carolyn "Carrie" McGuire Gross passed into eternity on September 9, 2025 in Ranch Mission Viejo, California at the age of 73.

Carrie was born in Glendale, California, the daughter of Adeline and Ronald McGuire. Growing up in various communities in Orange County, Carrie graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. During her high school years, she was chosen female Speaker of the Year and danced as a ballerina in a semi-professional company. She was the first college graduate in her family, graduating from UCLA in 1974. Following graduation, Carrie applied her flair for convincing speech and creative eye working in interior design and sales.

In the late 1970's this career took her to Philadelphia where she continued to work, married, and began raising her family before returning a decade later to her beloved Southern California, where she resided in Pacific Palisades for 28 years.

Carrie was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, and friend whose love for life was as boundless as her heart. Online, she was known as "Carriedaway" — a fitting reflection of how she lived every day: fully, passionately, and often joyfully carried away by the things and people she loved most. She cared deeply for everyone lucky enough to meet her, and brought laughter, light, and excitement into every chapter of her life. Those who knew her will remember her generous spirit, infectious energy, and ability to make any moment brighter. Carrie was the quintessential classroom mom, team mom, and playhouse mom for her children's wide variety of Palisades activities. Her home became the gathering place for her children and their friends, especially if they knew her incredible Philly Cheesesteaks or classic Tacos were on the menu.

People were naturally drawn to Carrie's vivacious "life of the party" personality. She would routinely walk into any room and seemingly know everyone within minutes. She had a genuine curiosity and a gift for connection — often turning a first meeting into a friendship that felt like it had lasted for years.

Carrie is survived by her three children — Alexander, Lindsay (Joe) and Matthew — her granddaughter Charlotte, her brothers Scott and Steve McGuire, husband Allen Gross, and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother Ronny and her parents.Carrie will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on November 21 at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321. Please share a favorite memory, a photo, or if you wish, make a contribution to one of her favorite charities:

St. Jude's*

The Wooden Floor*

*Please click "Donate" -> click "I would like to dedicate this gift" -> select "type of dedication" -> select "in memory of" -> click "Honoree name" -> type "Carolyn Anne McGuire"