Carolyn Esther (Whittaker) Carey passed away peacefully at Brigham and Women’s Hospital on Sunday, December 14th surrounded by her family as the snow fell and Christmas music softly played. She never stopped showing her spunky personality, enjoying ice cream, and planning who would wrap her piles of Christmas presents for her until the very end.
Carolyn was born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 22nd, 1937, the daughter of the late Ervine and Esther (Bassick) Whittaker. She was raised in Natick and graduated from Our Ladies Help of Christians High School in Newton in 1955. Carolyn attended Boston College, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education and Teaching in 1959. She later earned a graduate degree from Lesley University in Education/Creative Arts in Learning. As an undergrad BC Eagle she was a member of the Drama Society, spurring a lifelong dedication to the performing arts.
Following college, Carolyn began her teaching career in Natick before her husband’s (Thomas) military service took her all over the world; moving from California, to Germany, to Kansas, and Oklahoma before settling in Bellingham MA with her husband and her two children. She taught 4th and 6th grades for the majority of her career at the Clara Macy School in Bellingham.
Above all, Carolyn viewed herself as a human being and a steward of our planet and its inhabitants. She lived her life caring more about others than herself. Carolyn was always certain to teach those, especially her students, the value of giving back and working together. Carolyn was an active member of the Saint Blaise Catholic Church in Bellingham, volunteering for their food pantry and serving as a member of their parish council. She was responsible for many of St Blaise's creative traditions including the use of a live donkey for Mary to ride in the Christmas pageant, and the impactful multimedia stations on Good Friday.
Carolyn founded Bellingham Children’s Theater with her good friends Maryanne Donahue and Geri Hayes, directing shows for thousands of children for over 40 years. She also was the director of the Bellingham High School Drama Club for ten years.
Carolyn was passionate about achieving world peace and equality for all. She attended many protests on the Boston Common and sponsored numerous children in Honduras through the Unbound program. No matter what, she was giving unto others.
In a lifetime that saw her world transition to a fast-paced society; Carolyn remained steadfast in her belief that the journey, rather than the destination, was the important part. In her lifetime, she only flew by plane once, preferring to travel by boat or train so as to see all the sights and meet all the people she could along the way. She travelled to 49 states and countless countries this way. She would not have had it any other way. You could not be around Carolyn for long without hearing a story about one of her travel adventures or someone she had met on a trip. She was also an avid reader and believed in taking the time to learn and pursue knowledge, averaging about 1 to 2 books per week for the last few years.
Carolyn proudly became a great grandmother in August 2025 with the birth of Caden Rigdon. She is survived by her daughter Anne Carey of Hopkinton, and her son Michael Carey and his wife Annie Hurwitz of Natick. Carolyn is also survived by her granddaughter Emily Rigdon and her husband William of Franklin, her grandson Nicholas Carey of Decatur, Georgia, and her brother John “Jack” and her sister-in-law Joan of Scituate, as well as many other beloved family members. She is predeceased by her husband Thomas Carey, and her brother Francis “Frank” Whittaker.
Carolyn’s wake will be on Sunday, December 28th at the St. Blaise Church from 4-7 pm. Her funeral mass will take place on Monday, December 29 at St. Blaise Church at 9:00 AM. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery, Bellingham in the spring of 2026.
Carolyn believed in celebrating life. She has requested that all in attendance to her services wear bright colors to honor this joy. Other ways to celebrate Carolyn’s memory include standing up for what you believe in, keeping your home at a crisp 60 degrees, and eating dessert with every meal (including breakfast).
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry c/o St. Blaise Church,1158 S. Main Street, Bellingham, MA 02019.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home (ginleyfuneralhomes.com) Medway.