Age: 83 yrs. 7 mos. 3 dys.

D/O Richard H. Chase & Florence B. (Cole) Chase
W/O Roger Henry Ryan (1 Mar 1934-30 Sep 2009); m 26 Feb 1953
M/O Sharon Louise (Chase) Braly
M/O Mary (Chase) Noviello Sholley
M/O Martha (Chase) Papas

Obituary, Chadwick Funeral Service (New London, NH) , 18 Oct 2017:

Exeter, NH - Carolyn L. (Chase) Ryan of Exeter, NH passed away Monday, October 16, 2017 after a long illness. She was born in Claremont NH on March 13, 1934, daughter of Richard and Florence (Cole) Chase. She graduated from Stevens High School in 1952 and married her high school sweetheart Roger Henry Ryan in 1953. Carolyn’s life was rich in giving to others with unconditional love, devotion to family and friends, community service, church fellowship, mentorship and her acts of kindness and generosity.

Carolyn was a long time parishioner of the Claremont Congregational Church where she sang in the choir, directed the Junior Choir, was past president of the Women’s Federation, and a former Deaconess. In 1967, she became New Hampshire’s first female YMCA Director responsible for club development and physical fitness testing programs in the Claremont Schools. She was active for many years at the Claremont, NH Valley Regional Hospital as member of the Ladies Auxiliary, past president and former member of the Board of Directors of the Ladies Union Aid Society, and member of the Hospital’s Board of Trustees. Carolyn started the hospital’s Organ Donor Program, giving many presentations throughout New England to increase awareness and membership. She was a Girl Scout Leader of Brownies through Seniors, taking her troop to Washington DC and Rome, Italy. Carolyn earned a BS in Education from Keene State College, Keene, NH in 1973, graduating cum laude, and subsequently taught 2nd grade at Way Elementary school in Claremont, NH. She was an active organizer for Stevens High School Alumni.

Carolyn was a great supporter of all the arts, theater, libraries, artists, opera houses throughout the area. In 1998, after moving to New London, NH, she became a parishioner of the First Baptist Church of New London, donating her time cataloging their library. Carolyn loved traveling with family and friends, including an around-the-world trip with Roger. She was an avid gardener, reader, and cook, and also enjoyed tennis, bicycling and cross-country skiing. Her priority in life was always to give to others, opening her home to so many and enhancing the lives of others with comfort and care.

Carolyn was predeceased by her husband, Roger Ryan, in 2009. Members of her surviving family include 3 daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Scott Braly of Exeter, NH; Mary and Earl Sholley of Norfolk, MA; Martha and Theo Papas of Exeter, NH; five grandchildren, Alan Braly and wife Allison of Boston, MA; Lauren Heal and husband Christopher of Stratham, NH; Jonathan Papas and wife Beth of Methuen, MA; David Papas of Cambridge, MA; and Kathryn Troiano of Lexington, MA; 2 great-grandchildren, Elise and James Heal of Stratham, NH; a sister Eleanor Clay and husband Len of Claremont, NH; brother-in-law Harry Ryan and wife Claire of Charlestown, NH; brother in law Arthur Luce of Claremont, NH; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 10:30-11:30 A.M. at the Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London, NH. A service will follow at 12:00 Noon at The First Baptist Church, 461 Main Street, New London with The Rev. Charles Glidewell, pastor, officiating. Following fellowship and refreshments, a graveside service will be held in Mountain View Cemetery, Claremont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rockingham VNA and Hospice, 137 Epping Road, Exeter, NH 03833, to the Music Department of Your Church or to the Children’s Section of Your Local Library.