Carolyn C. Quinn

Quinn, Carolyn Curtin, 82, of Amherst, NH, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, surrounded by her family and their love.

Born on October 18, 1940, in Niagara Falls, New York, and raised in Arlington, MA, she was the daughter of the late Mary and John V. Curtin. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years, James W. Quinn Jr., and family members James Aaron and Amy Aaron Howle; Jeff Curtin Houston; Thomas M. Quinn, Sr.; Edward and Eleanor (Quinn) Feeley; Robert and Maureen (Quinn) Gilmartin; Jacqueline (Quinn), Edward and Edward W. Aiken; Robert, Phillip and Lynn Smith; Terry and Ellen McKeon; and Jack Sweeney.

Before earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, Carolyn worked at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and its Business School. She often spoke of the formative relationships she developed there with faculty and staff and working in an environment that placed a premium on civility, respect, and learning was an amazing fit for her. Throughout her life, she maintained a passion for education.

In 1972, Carolyn and her young family moved to Amherst, where the beautiful, quiet town quickly became her home. She was always drawn to antiques and old houses and was especially grateful to have the opportunity to live in two historic homes in the Village. Carolyn’s love of Amherst could be seen in her extensive volunteer work with the Amherst Garden Club, Newcomers Club, Parent Teacher Association, Fun Fair Committee (planning the haunted house, along with friends, was a favorite memory), Heritage Commission, Historical Society of Amherst, and Historic District Commission. She especially loved serving as co-chair of Amherst’s 250th Celebration. The year-long series of events began at Carolyn’s favorite place in town - the Village Green - with a ceremonial lighting of the town’s commemorative Memory Tree, an idea she brought, 27 years ago, to the Garden Club. In 2011, she and the event co-chair received the first annual DAR Community Service Award for their service to Amherst. For many, many years, Carolyn delighted in serving on the July 4th Committee, where she enjoyed being part of the annual celebration that brought together Amherst families and friends, as well as local artists, political candidates and puppies, including her cherished golden retrievers. In 2010, she was quite surprised, and immensely honored, to be recognized as Amherst’s Citizen of the Year. Pictures from that day capture Carolyn’s kindness and beautiful smile, as she stands with her husband, Jimmy, at her side and her children and their families. Carolyn will be remembered for her deep devotion to her family, friends, beloved granddaughters and the Town of Amherst. She found joy in all that she did during her 50 years in Amherst as well as her time in Wolfeboro and on Cape Cod, where she and Jimmy hosted many large, lively gatherings for extended family and friends.

Carolyn’s family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to Visiting Angels of Nashua, and the wonderful caregivers who, since 2016, cared for Carolyn and supported her family. Special appreciation goes to Lucie, Mavel, Bonnie, Dawn, Laurie, Trisha, Charline, Karen, Rosa, Ashley, Susan, Janet and Octavia, as well as the organization’s dedicated staff, Deirdre, Louise and Ashley. Additionally, the family would like to thank the Visiting Nurse Association of Manchester and Southern NH, whose compassionate hospice staff, including Henry, Semsa, Chuck, Kathy and Linda, cared for Carolyn and watched over her family. Her family is greatly appreciative for hospice’s steadfast support and gentle guidance.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kristin Quinn Lamont and David Scott Lamont of Bedford, NH; her son and daughter-in-law, James W. Quinn III and Katherine Nash Quinn of Groton, MA; and her granddaughters Elizabeth C. Quinn, Megan L. Quinn and Eliza Quinn Lamont. She is also survived by her sisters Cornelia (Curtin) Aaron and Paula (Curtin) Houston; her brother and sister-in-law, John V. Curtin and Patricia G. Curtin; her sister-in-law Mary Ellen (Beaton) Quinn; her cousin Anne Marie (Smith) Sweeney and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Saturday, November 26 at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church in Bedford, NH. Burial will be private at a later date at Meadow View Cemetery in Amherst. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolyn’s memory to The Amherst Garden Club, Memory Tree, and Visiting Nurse Association of Manchester and Southern NH (Hospice Services), 1070 Holt Avenue, Suite 1400, Manchester, NH 03109.