Dorothy Jane Ansaldi Carter, 85, of Bernardsville, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Born September 27, 1940, in Manchester, Connecticut, her warm spirit, generous heart, and commitment to helping others made an impact on many — from family and friends she loved so deeply to strangers whose lives were made better because of her dedicated volunteer work and philanthropy.  Dorothy’s unique and genuine way of making everyone who was fortunate enough to cross her path feel valued and supported will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Daughter of the late Virginia and Andrew Ansaldi, she went to Manchester High School and later attended Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, where she earned her associate’s degree in fashion merchandising. Often admired for her fashion-forward sensibility and classic style, she was a top performing sales associate at Talbots in the 1980s. In 1962, while working for American Express, she married Joseph Carter, a Dartmouth College classmate of her brother, Andy. Dorothy and Joe’s marriage was referred to by many as “storybook,” committed to ever-growing mutual love, respect and pride in their family as they together raised their three sons. Early days of their marriage started in Short Hills, New Jersey, before making the move to Bernardsville in 1976, where Dorothy resided for the next 49 years.

An active community leader, she was constantly engaged in efforts to enhance and support environmental, social, health, and cultural progress of the world around her. Dorothy’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of many others was repeatedly demonstrated by her membership, often in leadership roles, among a diverse array of  nonprofit organizations that include the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills, Cancer Hope Network, Matheny Medical and Educational Center, the Visiting Nurse Association, Bonnie Brae, Camp Brett-Endeavor, Family & Community Services of Somerset County, Plaid House, the Bernardsville Public Library and the Bernardsville Garden Club.

In addition to raising her family and her dedication to community service, Dorothy shared a passion for collecting early American antiques with her husband. She also loved to travel domestically and abroad, as well as to take regular trips to both her native New England and just over the bridge to New York City for cultural indulgence that included museums, theater, festivals, historical tours, dining and shopping.

Of all the things that she enjoyed in life most, Dorothy’s favorite moments were times spent with family, whom she adored. She is survived by her sons John, Tad and Glenn, as well as her grandson Carter Lyon and multiple nieces and nephews, extended family and many dear friends. Her beloved husband, Joe, died at the age of 57 in 1994.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 111 Claremont Rd, Bernardsville, NJ 07924. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Basking Ridge, NJ. For further information, or to leave an online condolence message please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Hope Network in Dorothy's memory: https://cancerhopenetwork.org/garden-of-hope/