Obituary of Caroline "Carrie" Mazzanovich

Caroline “Carrie” Mazzanovich, beloved wife and tour manager for her husband James “Jimmy Mazzy” Mazzanovich, passed away on September 16, 2023 at the age of 89. Carrie was born to her parents Al and Florence Volk in Buffalo, NY, and grew up in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, where she went to high school. In 1963, Carrie moved to Bainbridge, NY where she raised her three children, and Oscar the family dachshund. Once Carrie’s kids were old enough to be independent, Carrie went back to school and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology at SUNY Oneonta. She worked for MIT in their Geology department and further fostered her love of rocks, minerals and the outdoors. 

While traveling to Salem, MA for a whale watching excursion, Carrie was walking through town and heard live music playing. Her curiosity led her inside, where she saw Jim playing his banjo on stage. After his show, the two talked and decided to go out for a date. Carrie and Jim were married in 1985; they lived in Holliston for 35 years and moved to Billerica in 2021. Carrie switched careers and took over in the role of Jim’s manager as he toured with his banjo. The two had a wonderful life together, full of explorations. Carrie often accompanied Jim on stage while touring. The SiTerrific website describes her vocals as “simple, straightforward, and heartfelt”. She played with Jim at the Chestnut Hill Mall, the Essex Connecticut Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, and the Great Connecticut Jazz Festival, among others. She also loved to showcase her voice performing in the Tri-Town Theater while the kids were growing up in New York. 

Off-Stage, Carrie and Jim did everything together and always enjoyed each other’s company. They would travel around New England with their pop-up camper to Sippewissett Camp in Falmouth, Woods Hole, MA, and other destinations. Together, they’d go on walks, spend time reading and just enjoy the outdoors. Carrie was a fan of many book genres, often finding herself lost in books ranging from the anthropology of ancient cultures, recently one on the French Revolution, King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, to murder mysteries. Among her hobbies throughout her life were knitting, sewing, painting and playing the piano. She also maintained her fascination with geology, keeping a rock hammer by her chair. 

Carrie will be remembered for her creativity as a problem solver, inventing unique solutions to uncommon problems. She was strong-willed and determined, leading her to be always authentic and genuine. She was exuberant about the things she loved and forthright about the things she didn’t. She always had a gentle touch for Jim. 

Caroline was the beloved wife of Jimmy Mazzanovich of North Billerica. She was loving mother to Elizabeth Hengeveld and her wife Pat Wetzel of Portland, OR, John Hengeveld and his wife Carrie Niemiec of Forest Grove, OR, and Tom Hengeveld and his wife Denise of Greenfield Center, NY. She was grandmother to Stephanie Hengeveld of Broomfield, CO, Brent Hengeveld of Lacey, WA, Max Hengeveld of New York City, Jack and Zachary Niemiec of Forest, Grove, OR. She was also great-grandmother to Dax Hengeveld of Broomfield, CO. Carrie was the sister of the late Patricia Benedict. 

Funeral services for Carrie will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mass Audubon Society at www.massaudubon.org, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 in Carrie’s memory. 

Carrie's page on SiTerrific's Website