Shrewsbury – Carolyn L. (Walter) Powell, of the Southgate Community in Shrewsbury, passed away Wednesday evening, Dec. 9, 2015 at the age of 93, following a brief illness.
Carolyn was born June 2, 1922 in Bethlehem, Penn., the daughter of the late Helmut and Bernadine (Worsley) Walter and the loving sister of the late Sally Walter Williams. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Alfred Earle Powell.
Carolyn attended the Moravian Preparatory School in Bethlehem and graduated from Wellesley College in June 1943. Al and Carolyn moved to Sharon at the end of World War II. While in Sharon, in addition to raising a family of five, Carolyn – known to her friends as “Rollie” – served on the Sharon School Committee and, after taking courses at Wheaton College in Norton began a career in teaching in the Easton and Sharon public schools. Following a move to Wilton, Conn. in 1964, Carolyn taught Latin at the Thomas School (now the King Low Heywood Thomas School) in Stamford. In retirement, Carolyn continued teaching as a volunteer, tutoring adult ESL students.
Carolyn was an active, faithful member of churches in Sharon, Wilton and most recently at the First Congregational Church in Shrewsbury. She is remembered by all for her love of reading, impromptu poems, abiding faith and a most positive outlook on life.
Carolyn is survived by her five children, Charles H. Powell (and wife Meg) of Folly Beach, S.C., Andrew F. Powell of Auburn, Stephen W. Powell (and wife Janet) of Kennebunkport, Maine, Peter A. Powell (and wife Joan) of Natick, and Ann Powell Ellsworth of Ridgefield, Conn., as well as by 16 wonderful grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m., at the First Congregational Church, 19 Church Rd., Shrewsbury. Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted the Powell family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heifer International, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland, MA 01543 or the Worcester County Food Bank, 474 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
To leave a note of condolence for Carolyn’s family or to view her book of memories, visit www.brittonfuneralhomes.com.
