Carol J. Getson, 81, of N. Andover, MA passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, Haverhill, MA surrounded by her family. She was born on March 10, 1936 in Chelsea, MA, a daughter of the late Robert H. and Ella (Vesce) Peterson. She is survived by her husband Donald Getson; daughters Robin Spagnuolo and her husband Gino, Lori DeGraw, and Pamela Watson and her husband Dan; her grandchildren Hillary, Victoria, Olivia, Zachary, Amanda, Abigail, Julia, Sarah, and Cameron; and her great-grandson, Connor. Carol was predeceased by her son Donnie Getson and her son-in-law Ken DeGraw.
A devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother, Carol treasured her family above all else. She was a quiet presence, but an absolutely essential one; she was the glue that held the pieces of a tightknit family together, the center of gravity that kept everyone in orbit.
Her husband still remembers her as the beautiful young woman he spotted in a dance hall more than 60 years ago; to this day, he’s surprised she agreed to that first dance. Her daughters remember her as a constant reassuring presence, always there to give advice, support, comfort and laughter—whatever was needed, their mother readily provided. Her grandchildren remember her as their most passionately devoted fan; their “Neena” never missed a birthday, recital, sports event, or graduation.
Carol was dearly cherished by all who knew and loved her. She leaves behind several lifetimes’ worth of beautiful memories and a sense of unmeasurable loss.
Following cremation, family and friends gathered on Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 10 – 11am in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry. A memorial service followed at 11:00am in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center, PO Box 321, Alton Bay, NH 03810 or [email protected] .