DANVERS – Ms. Carla A. Trodella, 41 of Danvers, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 8th, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer, her loving family by her side. ​Carla was the daughter of Thomas and Marilyn (Walsh) Trodella​. She grew up and lived the first half of her life in Everett, MA, attending the Everett Public Schools.

Carla can be defined by her loving, courageous heart and her fierce, warrior-spirit. Born with Spina Bifida, Carla fought to walk, compete and do anything others could do each and every day of her life, with never a complaint or "why me". Little did she know, she would go on to do more than most. Carla always found a way to participate and never be left out in anything she did, whether playing t-ball, catch or riding bikes. At Everett High School, Carla spread her wings and pursued new interests in sports, managing the varsity softball team and swimming on the varsity swim team. Carla was even featured as a High Five recipient on WCVB for her resilience and tenacity as a swimmer. She worked incredibly hard to graduate and go on to attend Regis College. At Regis, she continued to swim while she completed her bachelor of science degree. College did not come without some health hurdles of its own, but Carla was steadfast as always and saw it through to graduation.

After college, Carla began working and living independently and that is when she found her true love of wheelchair racing. She trained religiously, lifted weights and practiced daily. She participated successfully in many local 5K and 10K races, sometimes being the first wheelchair racer to ever attempt and finish the race course. Carla completed and won the Boston Marathon Medley twice, consisting of her combined times from the Boston Half Marathon, 5K and 10K, all to prepare her for the big event- the Boston Marathon. Carla went on to complete the Boston Marathon twice and those were her proudest moments.

Carla was also a passionate cat lover. She considered her cat, Cleo, or her fur baby, as she called her, to be a most loved member of her family. A loyal companion, Cleo never left Carla's side. On good days and bad, after hospital stays and treatments, Cleo would always be there waiting for Carla to bring her comfort and joy.

In addition to her parents, Thomas and Marilyn of Newburyport, Carla is survived by her sister and best friend, Marci Gelinas and her husband, David of Topsfield. Auntie Carla was adored by her loving nephew and nieces, Jackson, Callie and Maddie. Carla's aunts, uncles and many cousins played a very important role throughout her life as more than just family; they were also the best of friends, especially her Auntie Janet Symes and Auntie Mary Ellen Dawley.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Carla's funeral Mass which will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church, 12 Park St., Topsfield on Tuesday, June 13th at 10:30 A.M. Please meet at church. Burial is private. Visiting hours will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Monday, June 12th from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Carla's memory to The Carla Trodella Memorial Scholarship Fund . To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.