Carlyn (Wegner) Duncan, of Andover, MA, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. She was months away from her 90th birthday.
A longtime resident of Danielson, CT, she was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Carl R. and Effie E. (Welsh) Wegner. A child of the Great Depression, her early years shaped much of her character. She lived frugally and was always courteous and thankful. Carlyn attended Pembroke University (now Brown University) in Providence, RI. Upon graduating she married and moved to Eastford, CT, where she devoted herself to raising her two children and managing family life. Carlyn also spent many years as a tutor for the Rectory School in Pomfret, CT. She held high expectations for her students, and although she could be stern at times, her kindness and dedication benefited many.
Carlyn was, for many years, an active member of Christ Church in Pomfret, CT. She enjoyed singing in the choir and preparing Community Kitchen meals. She led the prayer chain for many years and loved to knit prayer shawls for those in need. She was an accomplished knitter, creating many hats, sweaters and blankets for loved ones and friends alike. An avid reader, whether it was non-fiction, a novel, historical fiction, the newspaper, a magazine or even labels on cans, she was always reading. In her retirement, she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, finding yard sale bargains, and continuing involvement with her church. She was fond of ladybugs and of birds, especially cardinals. She was always in pursuit of the best chocolate ice cream. She will be remembered for her incredibly generous spirit and wonderful sense of humor. She is dearly missed.
In addition to her parents, Carlyn was predeceased by her husband Charles H. Duncan, her sister Mary Lee Wegner Williams, her brother D. Gordon Wegner, and her beloved son Steven Hopkins. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Hopkins and her husband Thomas C. Appleton of Andover, MA; her brother-in-law Dwight A. Williams of Portland, Oregon; her sister-in-law, Patricia A. Wegner of The Villages, Florida; her first husband, John A. Hopkins of Hebron CT; her granddaughters Emily H. Appleton and Sarah H. Appleton; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held on March 25 at 11am at Christ Church, 527 Pomfret St, Pomfret, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carlyn’s memory may be made to American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839 or Christ Church, PO Box 21, Pomfret, CT 06258.