Latest news with #MaryCarroll
Global News
3 days ago
- General
- Global News
N.B. man with cancer sells ‘conglomeration of acquired goodies' to declutter
It was a complete shock when Gerry Carroll was diagnosed with cancer and was given months to live. The retired Riverview, N.B., sales representative said he had gone to see his family doctor in December 2023 for what he described as a 'gurgling' noise in his stomach. His family physician sent him for a scan, which showed malignant polyps. 'I think you have someone else's report there,' he remembers telling the doctor. A few weeks after he had time to process the news, Carroll said he wanted to make sure he found a way to get rid of some of his possessions that he has been collecting for nearly six decades. 'He's a hoarder,' said his wife, Mary Carroll. Her husband roared with laughter. Story continues below advertisement 'I just have this acquisition problem,' he retorted. Carroll said there was no room left in his garage for all of his stuff. His collection spans almost everything, including two scooters, 'speakers, speakers, speakers,' books, cassettes, movies, televisions, VCRs, power tools and clothing. 'You name it, I have it,' he said. 'It's just a conglomeration of acquired goodies.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Part of his collection includes all the contents of a neighbour's apartment who was moving to a nursing home, he said. 'Almost ended 59 years of wedded bliss.' But he also began to worry about how his wife would deal with all the stuff when he dies. Inspired by a British practice where people sell things out of their vehicles, Carroll said he decided to do the same, and posted his idea on social media. The response was huge and positive. A property owner in Moncton, N.B., let Carroll use his empty lot. Heading into his second weekend of sales, Carroll said he plans on holding a bazaar every weekend until he gets rid of his stuff. Getting rid of all that he's acquired over the years, he said will leave his wife with 'peace and quiet.' 'I'm not getting rid of any of our personal belongings or things that our daughter may have given us or anything like that,' he added. Story continues below advertisement Mary Carroll first met Gerry Carroll on Jan. 25, 1965, at a dance in Bible Hill, N.S. 'When I met him, I didn't like him,' she said with a chuckle. 'I thought he and his friend were show-offs.' Carroll asked her if he could escort her home, she said. She refused. At another dance a few days later, she said he asked her again if he could give her a ride back to her house. She turned him down again. But he didn't give up. 'I knew he was just going to go through (each day of) the week. So I said, 'Yes. I will go home with you,'' she said. 'That was the beginning.' It wasn't long before the two were married. Mary Carroll said she is taking it one day at a time as her husband deals with terminal cancer. While she is not fond of her husband's habit of collecting things, she said she doesn't know how to feel about him selling everything. 'It's something, I guess, that keeps his mind occupied,' she said. For Carroll, he said the sales are a way to meet people, have a few laughs and get some money. Story continues below advertisement 'I'm 82. I've been married to my wife for 59 years, and we have a daughter and three beautiful grandchildren,' he said. 'That's about as good as it gets.'
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
‘A conglomeration of acquired goodies': N.B. man with cancer sells stuff to declutter
Gerry Carroll poses for a portrait with his wife Mary in Riverview, N.B., Thursday, May 29, 2025. Carroll, who has been told he has terminal cancer, has decided to sell his possessions in order to ease the burden on his family after his death. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ron Ward FREDERICTON — It was a complete shock when Gerry Carroll was diagnosed with cancer and was given months to live. The retired Riverview, N.B., sales representative said he had gone to see his family doctor in December 2023 for what he described as a 'gurgling' noise in his stomach. His family physician sent him for a scan, which showed malignant polyps. 'I think you have someone else's report there,' he remembers telling the doctor. A few weeks after he had time to process the news, Carroll said he wanted to make sure he found a way to get rid of some of his possessions that he has been collecting for nearly six decades. 'He's a hoarder,' said his wife, Mary Carroll. Her husband roared with laughter. 'I just have this acquisition problem,' he retorted. Carroll said there was no room left in his garage for all of his stuff. His collection spans almost everything, including two scooters, 'speakers, speakers, speakers,' books, cassettes, movies, televisions, VCRs, power tools and clothing. 'You name it, I have it,' he said. 'It's just a conglomeration of acquired goodies.' Part of his collection includes all the contents of a neighbour's apartment who was moving to a nursing home, he said. 'Almost ended 59 years of wedded bliss.' But he also began to worry about how his wife would deal with all the stuff when he dies. Inspired by a British practice where people sell things out of their vehicles, Carroll said he decided to do the same, and posted his idea on social media. The response was huge and positive. A property owner in Moncton, N.B., let Carroll use his empty lot. Heading into his second weekend of sales, Carroll said he plans on holding a bazaar every weekend until he gets rid of his stuff. Getting rid of all that he's acquired over the years, he said will leave his wife with 'peace and quiet.' 'I'm not getting rid of any of our personal belongings or things that our daughter may have given us or anything like that,' he added. Mary Carroll first met Gerry Carroll on Jan. 25, 1965, at a dance in Bible Hill, N.S. 'When I met him, I didn't like him,' she said with a chuckle. 'I thought he and his friend were show-offs.' Carroll asked her if he could escort her home, she said. She refused. At another dance a few days later, she said he asked her again if he could give her a ride back to her house. She turned him down again. But he didn't give up. 'I knew he was just going to go through (each day of) the week. So I said, 'Yes. I will go home with you,'' she said. 'That was the beginning.' It wasn't long before the two were married. Mary Carroll said she is taking it one day at a time as her husband deals with terminal cancer. While she is not fond of her husband's habit of collecting things, she said she doesn't know how to feel about him selling everything. 'It's something, I guess, that keeps his mind occupied,' she said. For Carroll, he said the sales are a way to meet people, have a few laughs and get some money. 'I'm 82. I've been married to my wife for 59 years, and we have a daughter and three beautiful grandchildren,' he said. 'That's about as good as it gets.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2025. The Canadian Press
Irish Independent
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Kerry's African community to showcase cultures and traditions at major celebration
The Kingdom's African community will come together at the park and members will showcase their different cultures and traditions. The event will celebrate traditional African food and drumming and those from the continent, now living in Kerry, will don their traditional dress. African-themed displays will also be setup in the park. The family-friendly day is open to everyone of all ages, no matter where they are from. A DJ will provide music while there will be face-painting, bouncy castles and plenty of games on hand to keep youngsters entertained. The Africa Day celebration has been organised by Tralee International Resource Centre, Killarney Immigrant Support Centre and the African Community in Kerry. Manager of Tralee International Resource Centre, Mary Carroll, said the day will be an opportunity to celebrate African diversity and success and join the millions around the world highlighting the cultural and social energy of the continent. 'Importantly it will support integration and inclusion by bringing different cultures and communities together,' Ms Carroll said. 'This type of initiative is more than just good fun, it is about raising awareness and encouraging integration as the different communities come together,' she continued. 'Music, games and food is a fun way to achieve this very important goal. It makes us realise what we have in common; we all have families, we enjoy our children having a fun day out, we like nice food, music and laughter is appreciated by us all. 'This is our fourth time holding an event like this, and each year it gets bigger and better! In the past years it was wonderful to see so many people coming to try African food, and learning so much about the different cultures, and meeting and talking together, in a fun way.' ADVERTISEMENT The celebration, which was officially launched this week, is supported by funding from Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, facilitated through Kerry County Council. The organisers said they are very grateful for the use of Tralee Town Park and for all the help from local groups and businesses including Sean Murphy Electrical contractor. Africa Day in Tralee Town Park will run from 2pm-5pm on Sunday, May 25.
Irish Independent
15-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Kerry students unite to celebrate their international community
Organised by the Parents Council-Cairde na Scoile- the idea was to recognise and celebrate the many cultures represented in the school. According to the Chair of the Parents Council, Mary Carroll, the idea was to bring the school community together to celebrate the diversity of the cultures in the Killarney school. The International Choir from KASI (Killarney Immigrant Support Centre) performed for the students as did Wilson da Silva of Killarney Movement and Fitness club who gave a fabulous display of the Brazilian martial art, Capoeira 'Often in Gaelscoileanna we might not realise there is a large diversity of cultures represented. In Gaelscoil Faithleann we have counted 21 different countries amongst our parent community, from Ghana to Lithuania to Portugal and Chile - today is a day to acknowledge and celebrate all these cultures.' 'Our International Day was full of colour, fun and learning, with flags, food, music and Brazilian martial art! Parents came into each class to talk about their culture and the children loved to hear facts about these countries, and to realise all the diversity in the school.' Mary said this is now an annual event that allows students to learn where their fellow students come from. 'This is an annual event that allows the school to recognise other cultures and make children aware of the value of diversity. It is a fabulous opportunity for children to meet directly with people from other countries and to hear first-hand what it is like to live there.'
