WILMINGTON — Carol Burridge Massa, born on March 4, 1961, in Tokyo, Japan, was sent to her eternal home on March 5, 2025, in Wilmington, NC.
A cancer survivor, Carol dealt with the consequences of radiation-induced heart disease for 35 years, but with her dedication to healthy living and joie de vivre, Carol far exceeded the life expectancy for people who have experienced this condition, much to the surprise of all of her doctors.
Carol was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Her journey on this earth was marked by kindness, reason, and creativity. To her beloved sister Laura and brother Lewis, Carol was the spiritual center of the family. Carol’s bond with her sister was one of extraordinary closeness, filled with countless adventures together. She was not only her sister but confidante and guide. Carol shared a mutual passion for art with Lewis that enriched their lives. They spent many hours painting side by side, going to art galleries and shows, immersing themselves in creativity. To her adoring nieces and nephew, Carol was not just an aunt, but a guiding star and a voice of reason. Her wisdom and love shaped them into the young adults they are today.
A truly global citizen, Carol enjoyed her upbringing in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Manila. In 1979, she moved to the U.S. to attend Skidmore College where she pursued her lifelong passions for ballet and the fine arts, graduating with an art degree. Thereafter, she spent thirty years living and working in the greater Boston area, primarily for Massa Corporation in Hingham, MA. At the time of her retirement, Carol was the Creative Director.
In honor of her late father, Alvin Lewis Burridge, Jr., Carol served for many years on the Board of Directors and Executive Management committee of CAT association, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of Civil Air Transport, an airline founded by General Claire Chennault in China in 1946. Her father, a former Marine Corps pilot in World War II, was one of the first pilots hired by General Chennault. Carol played a major role for decades in the operation of the CAT Association. She was instrumental in the success of the Association’s fundraising campaign to finance the production of the soon to be released documentary film about Civil Air Transport. Carol embodied the spirit of CAT; her steadfast dedication, artistic talents, her calm demeanor and love for the CAT family made her an irreplaceable treasure, and she will be profoundly missed.
Carol will be fondly remembered for her boundless creativity and lifelong pursuit of knowledge. An accomplished photographer and Chinese painter, she was also fluent in Japanese and Italian. Her passion for culinary arts was evident in her gourmet cooking, deeply inspired by the Italian culture of her cherished second home in Orvieto, Italy. As her health declined, Carol moved to Wilmington, NC, to be near family, where she quickly found community within a knitting circle, performing arts center, and book club. For Carol, travel was synonymous with making new friends and embarking on exciting adventures.
Carol is survived by her loving siblings, Laura and Robert Nute of Wilmington, NC, and Lewis and Anne Burridge of Emerald Isle, NC. as well as her devoted nieces and nephew: Sofia Nute of Wilmington, NC, Lauren Nute of Charleston, SC, and Kaela Nute of Providence, RI; Samuel Burridge of Washington, D.C., Allison Burridge of Rochester, NH, and Amanda Burridge of Gorey, Ireland. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and countless others, and we ask that you remember Carol not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact she had on the lives of everyone she touched with beauty and grace.
A Celebration of Life to honor Carol Burridge Massa will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church (1011 Eastwood Road Wilmington, NC 28405) at 11:00 AM on May 30, 2025, followed by a gathering at her home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a charitable donation in Carol’s name to one of her preferred charities, such as Civil Air Transport Association (via email to cdlampard@gmail.com) or Ironwood Pig Sanctuary.
Condolences may be sent to the family here.
