Carolyn Elizabeth Kelleher, aged 64, passed away suddenly at her beloved home, Rehoboth Farm, in Nottingham, New Hampshire, on July 31, 2024. Carolyn's life was a testament to love, faith, and devotion, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who had the fortune to know her.
Born in 1959 at Geneseo Hospital in upstate New York, Carolyn was the cherished daughter of Phyllis Branham Farrell. From an early age, Carolyn's life was imbued with warmth and vitality, attributes she inherited from her beloved mother. The bond between Carolyn and Phyllis was deep, their relationship filled with shared adventures and joyous moments. One such adventure took them, along with Carolyn’s husband Ken to Las Vegas and Arizona, where they created lasting memories despite their collective fear of heights.
Carolyn’s childhood in the tranquil town of Oxford, New York, was marked by freedom and delight. Her dog, Casey, freely roamed the town, collecting treats from local stores, while Carolyn, her sister Jackie, and brothers Jim, Tom, and Tim, enjoyed a carefree existence under their mother's hardworking care. Carolyn's tales of riding horses bareback into town and leaping from rooftops with an umbrella, inspired by Mary Poppins, highlight her spirited and adventurous nature.
The family later moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, transitioning from New York, to Tennessee. It was in Murfreesboro that Carolyn's heart expanded with the birth of her sons William Eric and Kendall Christopher. Carolyn's love for her sons was boundless, each child holding a special place in her heart.
Carolyn’s academic journey led her to Framingham, Massachusetts, where she studied English at Framingham State University. Her brilliance and passion for writing were evident, earning her a 4.0 GPA and the admiration of her peers and professors. Carolyn formed lifelong friendships during this time, sharing stories and inspiration that left a lasting impact.
In 1994, Carolyn met Ken Kelleher in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and their love story began. They met in a parking lot, and Ken's whimsical courtship, which included dressing as Big Bird, captured Carolyn's heart. Their impromptu elopement on Halloween night, followed by two additional weddings with family and church, symbolized their deep and enduring love. Their marriage would endure for 30 years; the remainder of her life.
Carolyn’s greatest joy was her role as a mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. Rehoboth Farm, named for the belief that "God has made a place for us," was a sanctuary of warmth and hospitality. Carolyn had a unique gift for making every occasion special, her generosity and thoughtfulness evident in the blessings and gifts she shared with those she loved. Her home was filled with laughter, delicious meals, and the joy of togetherness.
Though deeply devoted to her family and community, Carolyn also nurtured personal passions that brought her peace and joy. An avid reader and gardener, she found solace in the written word and the beauty of nature. Yet, her deepest wish was to share the love of Christ, a faith she held dearly and lived out with unwavering conviction.
Carolyn’s life was not without sorrow. The passing of her beloved mother, Phyllis, whom she cared for during her final days at Rehoboth Farm, left a profound void. Carolyn often spoke of her mother with longing, finding comfort in the belief that they are now reunited in the embrace of the Lord.
Carolyn leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will continue to inspire those who knew her. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ken Kelleher, her cherished sons, William Eric Howse and his wife Elizabeth, Kendall Christopher Howse, her adored granddaughters, Esther and Edythe Howse, and her beloved siblings Jim Farrell and his wife Nina, Tim Farrell and his wife Jill, Jackie Terrill and her husband Doc, and her sister-in-law, Dena. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, all of whom will carry her memory in their hearts.
Carolyn Elizabeth Kelleher’s life was a testament to the power of love, the strength of faith, and the beauty of a generous heart. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to be part of her extraordinary journey. Through the laughter she shared, the kindness she bestowed, and the unwavering faith she held, Carolyn’s spirit will continue to shine brightly, a guiding light for all who knew her.
Her service will be held at Mt Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024. In lieu of flowers, Carolyn’s family requests donations to those in need, a gesture that would honor her generous spirit. Please keep her family and loved ones in your prayers, asking that God’s comfort surrounds them during this time of profound loss.