Obituary of Maude W. Carpenter

Maude W. Carpenter, 91 of Manchester, CT died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Born in South Windsor, CT she was the daughter of the late Myra Wilson Gates. She was the beloved wife of Don Carpenter for nearly 67 years, together raising seven children in Manchester and Bolton. She leaves her children Keith Carpenter of California, Sharon Fish of Manchester, Rosemary Johnson and her husband Rod of Manchester, Carol Carpenter of Deep River, Jean Carpenter of Ellington and Alan’s life partner Lisa Touloumjian of Mansfield. She was predeceased by her husband Don, her son David Carpenter of Manchester, and her son Alan of Mansfield. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren Kristin, Michael, Duwayne, Linnea, Brian and Sou, Kyle, Deonnedre, and Danisa and Dylan, as well as Lisa, Sierra, Sean and Jesse in California. She was especially pleased to enjoy her great-grandson Khane, her great-granddaughter Ivy and her great-grandson Dylan. She will be missed by all her cousins, nieces, nephews and their families on both the Wilson and Carpenter sides of the family.

Maude graduated from Manchester High School and maintained many lifelong friendships from her years there. After raising her children, she began her career in the Bolton school system and moved to the Hebron school system in 1981. She worked in many positions including in the classrooms. She retired as secretary to the principal at Hebron Elementary School in 1994. It was during her years at Hebron Elementary she met her dear friend Fran Rukus, in addition to many more cherished friends. She was an active member of the Network of Biblical Story Tellers and the CT Storytelling Center. She traveled with her storytelling partner and close friend Chris Rothe for many years. She was heartbroken when Chris passed away in 2015.

Maude was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church of Manchester for 53 years where she served in numerous capacities. She was more recently a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Vernon. Maude was generous with her time, giving to her churches and the Girls Scouts when the kids were young. She made clothing for boys and girls in Haiti for many years as well. One of her most prized possessions was a collage of photos of children wearing her clothes.

The family would like to say a very special thank you to the two CNAs that made it possible for Mom to remain in her own home for the last seven months. Lizzy and ViVienne shared their skills and their love with Mom. They will remain special friends to us all.

Calling hours will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, 20 Meadowlark Road, Vernon. There will be a funeral service following the calling hours. Burial will follow at East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MACC Food Bank or a charitable organization of your choice.