Carolyn A. Chilson
Buckland, MA – Carolyn Agnes Chilson, age 88, died on August 30, 2025
at RegalCare of Greenfield, MA with the love of her daughters and
family focused on her. She outlived her beloved husband, Frank Stanley
(Stan) Chilson, Jr who died in 2008.
Born on May 2, 1937 in North Adams, Massachusetts, she grew up in
Clarksburg before moving to North Adams, Shelburne Falls and Buckland.
Carolyn (Lyn) was the youngest child of Amos and Agnes Putnam.
Educated in North Adams schools and graduating in 1955, she went on to
complete the nursing program at Bishop Memorial School of Nursing in
Pittsfield, MA to graduate as a Registered Nurse.
She was united in marriage at a justice of the peace in Lebanon, NY on
May 30, 1958 to her lifelong sweetheart, Stan. Their love began at
Sunday School in the First Baptist Church of North Adams, MA and later
professed that love at the lakeside “rock” at Camp Ashmere, Hinsdale,
MA. They wanted their 70th wedding anniversary celebration to be at
that same lakeside rock at Camp Ashmere. Together they raised three
daughters in a home they built together with their family.
Lyn’s nursing career began at North Adams Regional General Hospital
and the Williamstown Medical Associates. After moving to Shelburne
Falls in the 1960’s, she worked at the Franklin County Public
Hospital, private practice nursing and as the school nurse in several
local elementary schools. Her work was important and enjoyable to her.
She was a role model for her daughters on how to make a house a home
and work in a profession. She was frugal and fun in the kitchen,
teaching skills of baking, canning and bread making. She sewed her
children’s clothes in their early years, crocheted baby blankets for
her grandchildren, made beautiful quilts and knitted beautiful
blankets, hats, and scarves for many years. She was a Girl Scout troop
leader and taught these skills to her Troop. She enjoyed music,
travel, camping, crafting and socializing. She loved her extended
Putnam family and looked forward to annual reunions on Labor Day
weekends and loved sharing hugs with those who were there.
She was a Christian woman who shared her faith in her Lord through
singing, at home, in the car with her children, and as a member of the
choir performing often as a soloist. She did not need hymns nor
prayers printed as she stored them in her heart.
After Stan died, Lyn re-met Ron Wilk, a family friend from decades
past. She and he shared a loving companionship for 16 years. They
shared winters in Florida and summers at the Cape or in Buckland
treasuring the smiles and laughter, aging gracefully together.
Survivors include her three daughters, Julie (Douglas) Purinton of
Norway, NY, Robin (Paul) Coburn and Cynthia (Donald) Cote all of
Buckland, MA; 8 grandchildren, Kristy (Michael), Jordan (Katelynn),
Megan (James), Kiersten (Cody), David (Rebecca), Nathan (Sonja), Alex
(Brooke), and Ashley; 15 great grandchildren, her brother Herbert
Putnam of North Adams, MA and her companion Ron Wilk of Poughkeepsie,
NY. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, in-laws, sister
Esther, and brothers Amos, James, and Donald as well as her nephews
Edward, Lawrence and David. She mourned the loss of each of her
brother’s wives. She cherished family and felt each loss deeply.
A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the
family.
A public celebration of life will be held September 27 at the
Sweetheart Restaurant in Shelburne Falls from 12 3. There will be no
public funeral.
Please consider sending memorial contributions in Carolyn’s name to MA
Birds of Prey Rehab., 71 N. Poland Rd., Conway, MA 01341 or the
Shelburne Falls EMS, 121 State St., Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
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