Carolyn Hale

Springfield – Carolyn (Sinclair) Hale left her many friends and family on June 9, 2018. Born in Springfield on December 2, 1928, to Edith Merriam Sinclair (Fraser) and Adams Olin Sinclair, she lived in the city for most of her life. A graduate of Classical High School (1946) and Bridgewater State Teachers College (1950), she began her career as an elementary school teacher in West Hartford, CT, taught for a year each in Great Falls, Montana and Wichita Falls, Texas, and then taught 1st grade in Springfield at Dorman, Greenaway Drive/Freedman, and Homer Street schools. She retired on December 31, 1985, after 31 years of service to the Springfield Public Schools and their students.

Carolyn lived her life dedicated to service and helping every person that she possibly could in one way or another. Nearly everyone she came in contact with was touched by her warmth, thoughtfulness, and spirit of outreach and support. After her retirement she continued her educational efforts, reading to children as a member of the Springfield School Volunteers. Carolyn also served as a volunteer in the YWCA’s Female Offender program and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Mother Child program. She was also a member of: National Organization of Women, League of Women Voters, Springfield Memorial Society, Mass. Retired Teachers Assoc., National Retired Teachers Assoc., American Assoc. of University Women, Alumni Assoc. of Bridgewater State College, and the Unitarian Universalist Society.

The arts, especially music, were a lifelong source of enjoyment for her. She played piano and had a lovely voice, singing in many choral organizations through the years. Carolyn was an ardent supporter of performances at the Majestic Theater and Bing Arts Center, attending every show that she could. While in hospice care, she expressed her frustration that she wouldn’t be around to enjoy the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming 75th Anniversary Season. She and a Classical schoolmate had loved attending the concerts in the SSO’s first season and she continued the habit her entire life.

Carolyn was predeceased by her husband Bruce F. Hale, her brother Frederick O. Sinclair, and her beloved granddaughter Merrilee Aurora Hale. She leaves her sons Brian F. Hale of Springfield, MA, Clifford B. Hale of Concord, NC, her daughter in law Deanna J. Chrislip of Springfield, MA, and her nephews Matthew F. Sinclair of Modesto, CA, Gregory A. Sinclair of Coral Springs, FL, and Jeffrey T. Sinclair of Scottsdale, AZ. She is also survived by her devoted friend and companion Will Thayer, also of Springfield, MA.

Visiting hours will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 with the service starting at 11:30 a.m. It will be followed by a graveside gathering and prayers at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker Street, Springfield.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Bing Arts Center, 716 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA 01108.

Please visit www.nefcc.net