Carol S. Hooper
1939 – 2023
Longmeadow
Carol Swanson Hooper, loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother, of Longmeadow, MA, and Indian Lake, NY died peacefully in her home on Tuesday evening, May 2, 2023. She was 84.
A native of Melrose, MA, Carol was the daughter of Margaret and Elmer Swanson. Elmer emigrated from Sweden to the United States as a small boy and Carol was always very proud of her Swedish heritage. Always a strong student, she graduated from Melrose High School in 1956 and Bates College (Lewiston, ME) in 1960. It was at Bates that Carol met the love of her life, John Hooper.
Carol and John were married on June 24, 1961 and spent their honeymoon in the Adirondacks, and then settled in Longmeadow, MA. They so loved the Adirondacks that they bought a seasonal cottage at Indian Lake, which has created a lifetime of memories for the family for over 50 years.
After graduation, she taught English at Minnechaug High School for two years. She taught third grade at Norway Elementary for two years. She spent the next 15 years raising their daughters before she returned to her career in education.
She was an active member of First Church of Christ of Longmeadow for over 60 years. Carol had volunteer experiences where she gave of her time and her talents to various church and community organizations including Junior League. Carol was an enthusiastic alumna of Bates and enjoyed attending reunions and financially supporting the school. Carol had Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and rather than let it define her, she never let it get in the way of her family life. Because of this, she was an advocate of MS research. John retired early so they enjoyed cruising and saw much of the world during their adventures. Carol always made family vacations a priority and holidays were always special. They enjoyed many spring breaks with their daughters and as the family grew they cherished the annual gathering even more.
Carol enjoyed playing bridge, getting together with lifelong friends, and was a long-time supporter of StageWest. Above all of this, Carol’s greatest joy was raising their daughters and enjoying time with her grandchildren. Carol was quick to give compliments. She built up her children regularly, encouraging them in their lives and in their parenting. She also told her grandchildren they were smart, tall, had great outfits, and could do anything. Carol often thanked John for simple things, told him how great he was, and told him how lucky she was to have married him.
Carol is survived by her husband of 62 years, John, and their three daughters, Lynn Briggman (David) in VA, Lauren Knapp (Jon) in PA, and Leigh Weathers in NC. She cherished her eight grandchildren; Josh and Ryan Briggman, Andrew and Ethan Knapp, Kayla, Dawson (Bekah), Samuel, and Jayden Weathers. She was predeceased in death by her brother, Bruce Swanson, who passed away in April 2023. Bruce and his wife, Pat, raised their two sons, Scott and Geoff in NC.
The family would like to thank Tania Taupier and the rest of the amazing caregivers that Carol had over the last six years, who helped to extend her life and enabled her to live comfortably at home with John.
There will be a memorial service on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11 AM at First Church of Christ of Longmeadow,763 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, with a reception to follow. A burial, reserved for family, will occur at Longmeadow Cemetery.
In remembrance, donations may be made to Bates College, Office of College Advancement, 2 Andrews Road, Lewiston, ME 04240, or, to the charity of your choice. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit forastiere.com.
Published by The Republican from May 10 to May 14, 2023.