Carolyn A. Chilson

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