Queens Mourns Loss Of Beloved Union Worker To Coronavirus

QUEENS, NY — Beloved union worker, Elmhurst Hospital employee and community board member Priscilla Carrow died Monday from COVID-19. She was 65.

Carrow, who was a member of the Communications Workers of America Local 1180 dating back to 2006, was a beloved senior shop steward in her union and a well-known activist in her home community of Corona, where she was a longtime member of Queens Community Board 4.

But friends and colleagues note that Carrow was much more than that. She was kind, selfless, dedicated to her community and alway willing to listen, they said in an outpouring of Facebook comments on Local 1180's post about her death.

“We lost one of God’s most precious children due to the coronavirus, a blessed soul who gave her all every day at work at Elmhurst — a hospital overloaded with the coronavirus — to make sure others were taken care of,” CWA Local 1180 President Gloria Middleton said. “Priscilla always had a huge smile on her face and kind words to offer. Please keep her family in your prayers.”

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Carrow spent more than two decades working at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, where she most recently served as a coordinating manager. She had been planning to soon retire.

“She was not only a co-worker but a close friend to many," Elmhurst Hospital spokesperson Atiya Butler said in an emailed statement to Patch. "She will be greatly missed.”

Carrow, who lived in LeFrak City and was affectionately known as "Sweet Pea," previously worked for the late state Sen. José Peralta as a director of community relations.

Ashley Reed, Queens Community Board 4's second vice chair, called Carrow a tireless advocate who was "truly one of a kind."

"She loved her community and served with integrity and grace," Reed wrote in a tweet. "I’ll never forget her smile and big personality."

Marci Rosenblum, a spokesperson for CWA Local 1180, said Carrow had a magnetic personality: "Everyone wanted to be around her," Rosenblum told Patch.

Carrow is survived by her son, Tasheen Carrow, and daughter, Keyana Reaves.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Priscilla Carrow to COVID-19. Priscilla was a long time civic activist who worked tirelessly for her community. LeFrak City has lost an amazing women. We all have lost a friend. God Bless you Priscilla. Rest in Peace.
— Joe Crowley (@JoeCrowleyNY) March 30, 2020

Sad to learn COVID-19 has taken Priscilla Carrow from us. Affectionately know as “SweetPea” a beautiful person and a passionate labor leader- always true to her brothers and sisters at ⁦@CWA1180⁩ and a dedicated member of the #ElmhurstHospital family. pic.twitter.com/iyRi2DGyCY
— Elizabeth Crowley (@ElizCrowleyNYC) March 30, 2020

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Priscilla Carrow. She was selfless and a wonderful friend and advocate. She devoted her life to her family and community, from the State Senate, @NYCHealthSystem Elmhurst, @CWA1180, CB4 to Sherwood village.

Rest In Peace, my friend. pic.twitter.com/qnhrgs1B1H
— Francisco Moya (@FranciscoMoyaNY) March 31, 2020

My amazing friend, a warrior woman, working through it all for decades at #ElmhurstHospital has succumbed to #COVID19. I’m speechless. We were just together a few weeks ago @CWADistrict1 @CWA1180 pic.twitter.com/zs7ny1zEdY
— Richard David (@itsRichDavid) March 30, 2020

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