Carolyn Louise (Gruber) Wise, age 76, went home to be in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 1st, 2026, in Rome Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 31st, 1949, in Rome, NY to the late Raymond and Viola Gruber. She was raised alongside her two siblings Philip and Charlotte. In 1966, she graduated from Rome Free Academy and continued her education by earning a nursing degree from Ellis Hospital of Nursing in 1969.

She briefly attended Nyack College in hopes of earning her "M.R.S. degree," but when that didn't work out as she had thought, she began working at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Center. In 1975, while visiting her brother at college, she was introduced to a man who would become the love of her life.

On September 10, 1977, Carolyn married M. James (Jim) Wise. Together they built a home centered on faith and raised four children: Melody, Daniel, Jonathan, and Elizabeth. Throughout their marriage, Carolyn and Jim believed deeply in sharing the love of Jesus however they could. When Jim passed away in 2003, Carolyn faithfully continued that mission. Whether through a mission trip to Haiti, a thoughtful phone call, a home-cooked meal, or simply being present for someone in need, Carolyn believed that love was best demonstrated through serving others.

At the age of five, Carolyn began taking piano lessons and she would continue to play until she died. She performed at weddings, funerals, church services, and many more occasions, but she preferred playing when she was alone as a way to worship her Savior. She also taught piano lessons for many years, hoping to pass along both her love of music and the joy it brought to her.

Carolyn spent the majority of her nursing career as a school nurse at Westmoreland Elementary School, Fort Stanwix Elementary School, and Ridge Mills Elementary School until she retired in 2014. She loved being a positive light and comforting presence to all the students who came into her office.

In her retirement, she spent time at the Willow Network supporting families and working at Delta Lake Bible Conference Center in the nurse's station and the office. She was an avid blueberry picker who enjoyed making blueberry pies with the harvest. She enjoyed reading, taking naps, and watching football (Go Bills!) But what she loved the most was spending time with her grandchildren. She lived by the mantra, "Grandma's House, Grandma's Rules" and loved spoiling them any chance she could.

She is survived by her children, Melody (Matthew) Miller, Daniel (Mary) Wise, Jonathan (Jessica) Wise and Elizabeth Wise (single and ready to mingle); her grandchildren, Evan, Marissa, Noah, Isabella, Benjamin, Rachel, Ezra, Eli, Ethan, Hope, Isaiah, Emilia, Aaron, and Joy; her siblings, Phillip (Carol) Gruber and Charlotte (Paul) Franco; and her cousin, but felt more like a sister from another mister, Betty Jean (Keith) Smith; and many nieces and nephews, cousins, cherished friends and her grandpup, Ranger. She also leaves behind her brothers in law, Bobby (Linda) Wise, Larry Wise; and sisters in law, Susan Parsons, Joyce Riedmann, Alice Wise, and Nancy Ziemkowsky. She also leaves behind countless "adopted" children and grandchildren whom she loved as her own over the years, and treasured close friends, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, July 9, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 4964 Rome-New London Road, Rome, NY 13440.

A funeral service celebrating Carolyn's life and unwavering faith will be held on Friday, July 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, where she faithfully served her Lord and Savior in many capacities throughout the years. Interment will immediately follow the service. Family and friends are then invited to return to the church for a time of fellowship and a meal.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Rome.

Please offer online condolences at: www.barryfuneralhome.com.