1929 – 2015

NORWAY — Carolyn Chase Hatch, 86, of Bethel, died at the Norway Center in Norway on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Born in Middletown, Conn., on Feb. 24, 1929, Carol was the daughter of Carl and Dorothy (Collins) Chase. She graduated from Dana Hall School in 1947 and attended Colby Junior College, prior to marrying in 1949 and beginning her full-time career of homemaking and raising five daughters.

Though she and her husband lived primarily in New Jersey, she rose to the challenge of relocating her family overseas for assignments in The Hague, Netherlands, where her youngest daughter was born, and in London, England. The couple retired to Bethel in 1987, having enjoyed many golf and ski vacations there over the years.

Carol was an active church member wherever she lived, and she enjoyed singing in the choir and playing handbells. At West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel, she served as financial secretary for several years and participated in the weekly prayer group. She was also drawn to spending time with the elderly, a calling she pursued in various settings.

In the 1980s, she was the director of the Senior Citizens Group of the Summit (N.J.) Recreation Board and a volunteer assistant to the activities director of a local nursing home. She had a special heart for visiting shut-ins, both at their homes and in nursing facilities, seeking out residents who had few visits from family and friends. Her compassion and friendliness also shone through in her role as a hospice volunteer for many years.

In 1999, the Home Care Alliance of Maine honored her with their Hospice Volunteer Award. She also volunteered with the Bethel Historical Society and the Mahoosuc Land Trust, and was dedicated to visiting Frenchman’s Hole to help keep the site clear of litter. Her many interests included sewing, knitting, quilting, working crossword puzzles, reading, and entertaining. She had a deep attachment to YMCA Camp Takodah in Richmond, N.H., having a family connection to the camp, attending for many summers, and sending her five daughters there.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Walter Hatch; her daughters and sons-in-law, Dorothy and David Seiter of Hamilton, Mass., Joan and Jack Kendra of Hatfield, Pa., Barbara and Kim Kubach of Johns Creek, Ga., Lauren and John Rowe of Hamilton, Mass., and Marjorie and David Lebowitz of Ipswich, Mass.; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Alvin Barnes.

She was predeceased by her brother, Donald Chase.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.

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