Carol Ripley

A New Year’s Baby, she was named by her mother who decided she was “a Christmas Carol.” It quickly became apparent her first love was music. She spent her life in Fairhaven where she was raised, married, and raised her own family.

A 1956 graduate of Fairhaven High School, she went on to New Bedford Institute of Technology where she graduated with a B.S. in Textile Chemistry. She taught eighth grade science and music at Acushnet’s Ford Junior High School for 3 years. All the while, she was practicing her beloved music, first on the piano, and then moving to the pipe organ at age 16. Her long career as a church organist spanned over 4 decades. She played for local Congregational and Episcopal churches, as well as at the Seaman’s Bethel in New Bedford. In later years, Carol was a member of Allen’s Neck Friends Meeting in South Dartmouth.

In recent years, she especially enjoyed taking classes with The Second Half: Lifelong Learning Institute. Besides music, Carol enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing, sailing, and of course, her family.

She is survived by three children and their spouses: Paula (Eric) Schonewald of Madison, CT, Rebecca (Shaun Ensor) Carey of Fairhaven, and Robert (Amy) Ripley of Mattapoisett and St. Thomas, USVI. Carol leaves 5 beloved grandchildren: Samuel and Andrew Carey, Christopher and George Schonewald, and Tessa Ripley. She is survived by her siblings: Earl W. Hebert of Fairhaven, Shirley Reed of Rochester and Mary Bradshaw of Dartmouth.

Services are private and under the direction of the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Fairlawn. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

For online tributes or directions please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com