Rosina McDonnell Carter

Rosina McDonnell Carter, born February 24, 1927 in Memphis TN, died peacefully March 10, 2025 in Roanoke VA, after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her parents, Katharine Lewis McDonnell and Paul McDonnell, six siblings, infant daughter Mary Lewis Carter, and her husband of 63 years, Dean Carter. Rosina grew up in Memphis and attended Maryville College in St. Louis as a history major. In 1948, Rosina and her sister Frances decided to travel for a year in Europe. On the ocean crossing, Rosina met Dean Carter, the love of her life. They courted in Paris and were married in 1950, the year they moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, where Dean established the Art Department at Virginia Tech. They were blessed with six children and a fulfilling life in Blacksburg. Rosina continued to be an adventurous traveler. In 1954, the young family (with daughters ages two and six weeks) lived in Rome for a year, where Dean had a sculpture fellowship. Thereafter, the Carter family traveled frequently throughout the U.S. and abroad. A long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Blacksburg, Rosina was a generous donor, volunteer, and Eucharistic Minister. She was an avid bridge player and loved to swim, dance, and go to plays, operas, and museums. Rosina was an accomplished seamstress and weaver, and a member of New River Valley’s Handweavers Guild. She was an excellent cook, member of a lunchtime gourmet group, and an active member of the Virginia Tech Faculty Women’s Club. She hosted numerous cocktail parties and dinners for Art Department faculty, visiting scholars, students, and a large circle of friends. She also served as Dean’s chief of staff, typing correspondence and keeping meticulous records for him. Her “Dear All” letters (one original with multiple carbons), became legendary among her siblings and her children. She and Dean were patrons of the arts, including the Blacksburg Regional Art Association. As Ut Prosim members, they gave generously to Virginia Tech, including endowing the Dean and Rosina Carter Scholarship in Art. Rosina is survived by her children: Frances Stephens (Nicholas), Katharine Kerrane (Kevin), Clem Carter (Georgia), Tom Carter (Suzanne), Mary Farrell (Francis); eight grandchildren: Patrick Kerrane (Brittany), Michael Kerrane (Kate), Kate Andresen (Ulf), Dean Carter (Deepthi), Jessica Carter Fox, Thomas Carter, Carter Farrell, and Elizabeth Farrell; seven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Hamer (Bob), and sister-in-law Janet McDonnell. Remembrances may be given to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Building Fund, or to the Dean and Rosina Carter Endowed Scholarship in Art (884039), Virginia Tech Foundation, Blacksburg VA 24061. Funeral services will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Thursday, March 20th, at 11:00 am, with the burial following at Westview Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 19th from 5-7 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home.

Rosina McDonnell Carter

February 24, 1927 - March 10, 2025