Shrewsbury – Carol J. (Buckley) Swiss, a longtime resident of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, September 4, 2014, with family gathered by her side, due to complications from multiple myeloma. She was 85.
Carol was born in York, Penn., daughter of the late Joseph & Genevieve (Marsh) Buckley. Raised and educated in Binghamton, N.Y., shewas a graduate of both Cornell University, where she was a Kappa Kappa Gamma, as well as Simmons College, where she received her Master's Degree in Library Sciences. This led her to a rewarding career as the Director of the Boylston Public Library, where she worked for many years.
She was a member of the Girl Scouts of America for over 70 years, including four as a professional and also as a camp director. After retiring, she trained to be a docent at the Worcester Art Museum. She enjoyed taking W.I.S.E. courses at Assumption College.
Carol had a love for music, especially opera and was a longtime member of Opera Worcester. She was a founding member of the League of Women Voters, both in Marlborough and Shrewsbury. She was also a founding member of ADVISE in Shrewsbury. An avid traveler, she was thrilled to visit Alaska and Russia, and a particular highlight was seeing “The Passion Play” at Oberammergau, Germany.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Tim Swiss; her children, Steven and his wife Kathy of Hampstead, N.C., Theodore and his wife Vickie of Riverside, R.I., and Catherine Gilmore and her husband John of Glen Ridge, N.J.; and eight grandchildren, Amanda, William, Danielle, Rachael, and Timmy Swiss and Cam, Colin, and Gretchen Gilmore.
The family would like to thank the VNA Hospice for all their kindness; the Oncology South staff at UMass; Drs. Walsh and Medvedova; and the nursing staff, especially Terry, Christine, Andrea and Celeste, as well as Dr. Paul Richardson at Dana Farber.
Family and friends will honor and remember Carol's life by gathering for calling hours Monday, Sept. 8, from 5-8 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, Shrewsbury Center. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 10:30 a.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 440 Main Street, Shrewsbury. The Rev. Clifford Gerber will officiate. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, honor Carol's memory with a donation to the International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Dr., Ste. 206, N. Hollywood, CA 91607.
