MEREDITH - Carolyn Joan (Taylor) Pillsbury passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 12, 2018.
Carolyn was born at Laconia Hospital on March 6, 1940, to Averil L. (Hersey) Taylor and Gerald L. Taylor.
Carolyn grew up in Center Harbor, NH, one of eleven children. She loved her large family staying in touch with many nieces and nephews spread across the U.S. She was an avid writer of poetry as well as writing commentary/opinions in local papers. She was a strong, clever, spirited woman who spoke up for personal property rights, free speech and lack of air quality in her neighborhood. She was politically active and outspoken both on the national and local fronts.
Carolyn brought up two children as a single-divorced parent and put herself through school as well as encouraging her children to further their education. She helped her daughter through college by working two to three jobs to help cover expenses. She, herself, was a 1987 graduate of the New Hampshire Technology Institute where she obtained a degree in Nursing. She worked at Golden View Nursing Home, Laconia State School, Belknap County Nursing Home and The New Hampshire Veteran’s Home before finally retiring in 2004.
Carolyn loved to garden and feed the birds as well as taking care of her cats and feeding strays that happened into her yard. She loved to sing and was vocally talented. She painted watercolors, decorated cakes and quilted until her health started to fail her. Later in life she enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading and watching the news.
Carolyn is predeceased by an infant daughter, Lori Ellen, earlier in her life as well as her son, Tracy, in June of this year which broke her heart.
Carolyn leaves behind her daughter and son-in law, Colleen and Brian Heanue of Springfield, VA; five grandchildren: Conor and Katie Heanue of Springfield, VA, and Brittinay, Matthew and Stephanie Pillsbury of Gilford, NH, as well as three great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind two sisters and a brother: Sandra Ross of Springfield, KY, Sylvia Cote of Plymouth, NH, and Daniel Taylor also of Plymouth, NH.
“She will be missed forever here one guiding star turned low?,we know her worth, so,?question not the tie which loosed to let her go” ~ Ivan Wampler
And finally, per Carolyn's wishes: PMYCSI.
In lieu of flowers, sympathy cards, cakes and wine, please make donations in her memory to the NH Humane Society, 1305 Meredith Center Road, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. Graveside services to celebrate her life will be held for her on Sunday, October 7, at 2 p.m. at Meredith Village Cemetery.