Elizabeth "Ellie" Lucia Caro

Elizabeth Lucia Caro, lovingly known as Ellie, passed away at home in the arms of her parents on the evening of August 28, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Church of St. Anne with Father Kregg Hochhalter presiding. Visitation will be held at the Bismarck Funeral Home on Friday, September 5 from 5-7 PM with a rosary/vigil at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at Church of St. Anne one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck.

Ellie was born on June 3, 2022 in Springfield, Tennessee. Though she only lived for three short years, she made a very large impact on the people close to her.

Ellie lived in Fort Campbell, KY for the first year of her life before moving to North Dakota. Little did she know, she was to meet and grow with her best friend. Ellie started spending time with her cousin, Henry, when he was only a few months old. They spent almost every day together and became the best of “buddies.” Even towards the end of her life, Ellie would use all of her strength and energy to reach for her friend.

Elizabeth is the cherished daughter of Gabriel and Anne Caro and beloved sister of Bernadette Caro. She is so deeply loved by all of her family. Elizabeth is welcomed into Heaven by her Grandpa Terry.

Diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma in late March, Ellie’s family was made aware of her prognosis and spent her remaining 5 months together as a family. Ellie spent 7 weeks in Fargo undergoing radiation treatment, finishing right after her birthday. She celebrated her third birthday with Make A Wish, who granted her wish of a brand new playroom. Shortly after, Ellie had to have emergency surgery to drain fluid that had built up in her brain. She quickly recovered and was able to have a few good weeks before her condition worsened again. Ellie slowly lost all neurological function starting with her ability to eat, ability to walk, and eventually her ability to talk and breath. Though this cancer was so aggressive and the course of treatment was strenuous, Ellie fought up until her very last moment.

Her love for animals and the zoo was known by everyone around her. She loved to feed the animals, but only “the littles” not “the bigs.” Her favorite animals to feed were the goats and the ducks. Thanks to Make A Wish ND, Ellie was also able to feed a red panda and camels.

Ellie was quite advanced and loved to be challenged. She enjoyed solving puzzles and participating in her sister’s homeschooling. People listened to Ellie, she spoke very eloquently and with much authority. Ellie was also very quick witted and loved to make everyone laugh. Wise and emotionally aware, Ellie had a heart that was kind, empathetic, altruistic, selfless, and deeply caring.

Ellie’s family asks in lieu of flowers, to please consider donating to one of the following: Make A Wish North Dakota, Ronald McDonald of the Red River Valley (Fargo), Landon’s Light Foundation, and the Church of Saint Anne Bismarck, ND. Each of these organizations played a major role in supporting the Caro family throughout Ellie’s journey. The Caro family also thanks everyone who supported them throughout Ellie’s cancer diagnosis: everyone who prayed for Ellie, donated to her Go Fund Me, signed up to bring over meals, and everyone who reached out to the family in their time of need.

Her father’s final words to Ellie before she took her last breath were: “Everything is okay, Ellie. You can go to Jesus and Mary now.” Her mother had often spoken to her about Heaven and life after death. Ellie was prepared to go Home, and now she is preparing the way for her family to join her.