Carly Parauda’s sudden death on November 13, 2025, has left a profound ache in communities from Virginia to New York to London. Known for her warmth, kindness, and the quiet fire of ambition in her heart, she was someone whose very presence inspired those around her—and now, so many are reeling from the loss of someone whose future held so much promise.
Carly had recently embarked on a new chapter in London, enrolling at the University of Westminster to pursue her Master of Arts in Fashion Sustainability. She was deeply excited to combine her creativity with environmental responsibility, to explore how fashion could be a force for good. Her classmates spoke of her endless curiosity, her desire to understand how culture, style, and sustainability intertwine, and how determined she was to leave a positive mark on the industry.
Before crossing the Atlantic, Carly built a strong foundation back home. She graduated in 2023 from Virginia Tech with a degree in Criminology and Sociology. There, her professors remembered her as analytical and thoughtful, while her classmates would tell you she balanced her sharp mind with genuine compassion. She didn’t just study — she volunteered, worked hard, and made meaningful connections between the worlds she cared about most.
Her work history was as varied and rich as her interests. She spent time at KinderCare Education Centers caring for young children, earning praise for her patience and caring spirit. At Avellinos Italian Restaurant, she made herself indispensable, always ready to lend a helping hand with a welcoming smile. Her academic curiosity grew further when she interned with the Mass Shooting Database, contributing to research that demanded both rigor and empathy.
Carly’s fascination with art and history led her to New York, where she interned at Dienst + Dotter Antikviteter, working with European antiques and learning about the stories and craftsmanship behind each piece. That experience, she said, shaped her sense of aesthetics and later seeped into her sustainable fashion thinking. More recently, she joined Damselfly Flowers in New York as a Sales Associate. Friends say she loved that job because it was a beautiful blend of nature, art, and connection — something that mirrored her own gentle spirit.
Even amid her busy schedule, Carly always made time for others. She babysat, nannied, and helped families in need, often posting cheerful messages about her availability and genuine eagerness to help. In every interaction — whether arranging flowers, reading with kids, or deep in conversation with a friend — she radiated care and attention.
As news of her passing has spread, tributes have poured in from across her life — from her Virginia Tech peers to London classmates, from New York coworkers to kindergartens and restaurants she touched. People describe her as thoughtful, encouraging, and always full of potential; someone whose presence made others feel truly seen.
Her family is expected to share details about funeral arrangements soon, while loved ones cling to the memories she left behind. Though Carly’s journey was cut heartbreakingly short, her kindness, curiosity, and gentle leadership live on in every person she inspired. May her memory continue to guide and uplift all who knew her.
