LACONIA ---- Carolyn Jeanne Ames, 82, of Trails End Lane, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at home surrounded by her loved ones.
Carolyn was born on January 17, 1943, in Akron, OH, the daughter of Bruce Walker and Marian (Wetmore) Walker. She lived in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and attended schools there until she graduated in 1961.
Carolyn began piano lessons in third grade and continued lessons until she was 16 when she became the organist at the First Christian Church of Cuyahoga Falls. She continued as the organist until entering nursing school at Akron City Hospital in 1961 graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1964. Once Carolyn graduated, she and two friends moved to Boston, MA, to work at Massachusetts General Hospital. She worked for the hospital for 35 years in various positions.
In 1979 she met Liz Wetherbee who was the choir director at Billerica Unitarian Universalist Church. Carolyn then was hired as the organist. For two years, they led the music for both the Unitarian Church as well as the First Congregational Church of Billerica. For the next 20 years, they continued their musical talents at the First Congressional Church until 2000 when Carolyn retired.
In 1985 Carolyn married David Ames. Their love for the Lakes Region of New Hampshire brought them to Laconia, NH, where they bought their lake house in 1992. Upon their retirements she and David moved to the lake permanently in 2000 and became members of the Gilford Community Church. In 2006, Carolyn became the music director and organist at the church until her retirement in 2023 due to health issues.
Her interests included anything music related. She sang with the Sweet Adeline’s of Merrimack Valley, MA, and she played for multiple groups, weddings, and memorial services over the years - anyone who asked. She enjoyed knitting, and she and David loved playing games with family, friends and neighbors in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Carolyn is survived by her step-children, Sharon Carlson (Chris), of Hamilton, MA , Ken Ames (Christine Williams), of Bedford, NH, and Cindy Milligan (Kurt), of North Reading, MA; sister Barb Moore (Bud), of Simpsonville, SC; step-brother Don Murfin (Linda), of Fort Mill, NC; step-sister-in-law Judy Murfin, of Hudson, OH; 4 fabulous grandchildren: Christopher, Emma, Gavin, and Caitlin who have given her great joy; and many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Carolyn is predeceased by her step-brother Jim Murfin.
A Living Memorial Service was held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Gilford Community Church, where family and friends celebrated Carolyn’s life with her through sharing loving memories and joyful music. This can be viewed on the church’s YouTube channel. No additional services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Carolyn’s name may be made to the Music Scholarship Fund at Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH 03249.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.