Carol Retter (left) and Holly Carroll

My dear friend Carol Retter passed away on Nov. 30, 2025 at the age of 88. I would like to share a few personal memories of my talented colleague, who had been a member of Local 802 for almost 50 years.

Carol was born in Dayton, Ohio and won a music scholarship to college. She played piano and flute and became a respected jazz musician in New York City. However, she developed rheumatoid arthritis, which left her unable to perform. But she did not let that stop her musical career. Carol worked extremely hard to keep her hands functional. With grit and determination, she was able to maintain a top-level professional career as a music copyist. She had a desk at Chelsea Music and worked on Broadway shows in addition to operas, symphonies, albums and recordings.

Carol and I met when I was hired as music supervisor for the Broadway production of “Showboat” in 1991 after I moved to NYC from Toronto. She and I became colleagues in the world of Broadway music preparation. I was the supervising copyist for productions of “Ragtime,” “Fosse” and “Jane Eyre,” plus I handled transpositions for “Cabaret,” prepared the percussion part for “Lion King,” and did other Broadway work. I hired Carol whenever I could.

From the beginning, we truly respected each other’s work. She was a fabulous copyist and became well known for her professional hand and accuracy. As we transitioned to computer work, Carol became my editor so I could work faster. I knew she would always catch all of my “finger slips.”

Our friendship was natural and grew over time. We worked together seamlessly as fellow professionals – and we also became best friends and traveled together. Carol would come to stay with me and my mom every Christmas in Canada. We became like each other’s family.

Other than me, Carol leaves behind no survivors. She will be buried this spring alongside my mother — and with me, when it is my time — beside a beautiful river among the trees in a little village in Quebec called L’Ange Guardien. This beautiful site is approximately 45 minutes by car from Ottawa, situated on property belonging to an esteemed associate who felt it appropriate for the three of us to convene here for our rest.

This humble tribute will serve as a memorial to my lovely and talented friend. I miss her and I cherish her memory.

Holly Carroll is a longtime member of Local 802 and is now retired, living in Canada. 

Carol Retter (right) and Holly Carrol