Carolyn H. Stiles

Carolyn Helen Stiles, 78, died peacefully on March 22, 2023 at 3:55­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ in Concord Hospital, Concord, NH. She was born on October 30, 1944 in Red Bank NJ, the daughter of Robert Stiles and Carolyn (Wiersing) Stiles.

She graduated Trenton State College in 1966 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She joined the Navy in 1974, and was honorably Discharged having earned the rank of 2^nd class Hospital Corpsman. In 1991 Carolyn earned a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education from San Francisco State University.

For sure, Carolyn was a leader in changing how we teach children with special needs. In her early days of teaching these children were separated. In the early 70’s they were slowly integrated into the school population and attitudes and programs changed. As a Special Education Teacher, Carolyn helped to lead that change! As time passed, she became a Program Specialist for Developmental Services in the Department of Health and Human Services for the State of NH. During this time she distinguished herself greatly in many programs related to Early Education and Intervention.

Carolyn was an avid hiker and outdoorswoman. She joined the Nor’easters chapter of the “Great Old Broads for Wilderness”, leading her to buy a new tent and go camping. Her enjoyment of being outside with other women was never dampened by rain or cold. She attended advocacy meetings on zoom with the same enthusiasm and inquiring mind. 

Carolyn has been an active member of West Concord Congregational Church for 13 years.  She was very involved in the life of the church. She presently was the Moderator of our Church Council, helped in the Food Pantry, and even brought to life the sound system in the Church. She will be remembered for her deep commitment to the church community and for her foresight and planning. Carolyn led in a strong and gentle manner. Her accomplishments have been many within our church and within the greater community.

She was also an active member of the Concord Women’s Club who reflected on Carolyn’s many roles within the club and shared the following: “Those qualities that make a person special show up in their consistency. Consistency and reliability were standard procedure with Carolyn. She had a great warm laugh suggesting a sense of humor that entertained her in many ways. She actively joined the Concord Woman’s Club, taking an interest in all aspects of the club from its organization to Chamberlin House. The marks of her caring for the organization showed up in many ways. She served the club as vice president, then president. She kept meticulous records as secretary. Her assistance in managing the house tasks was invaluable. She put a lot of effort into finding ways to make Chamberlin House accessible. Her quiet manner often masked a sharp, incisive, and helpful comment. She was especially concerned for girls. She chaired the annual High School scholarship committee and selection process. She also was on the Opportunity fund committee which awards scholarships to women seeking skill training to support their self-sufficiency.

Carolyn is a life member of the Concord Female Charitable Society (CFCS), and has been the president since 2021. She has been extremely helpful in the monthly meetings and planning for the upcoming annual meeting in on April 11, 2023.

Carolyn was predeceased by her brother Robert (Bobby) Stiles. She is survived by her son Ian O’Hara of Concord, NH and her brothers Steven Stiles in Valley, AL and Alan Stiles in Fort Pierce, FL.

SERVICES: Visitation will be held at West Concord Congregational Church, 499 North State Street, Concord NH at 9:00 am, Thursday, March 30, 2023 followed by a memorial service at the same location starting at 9:30, with Pastors Linda Fraser and David Keller officiating. There will be time for fellowship and refreshments. Interment will follow at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH. Family and friends are invited to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, Carolyn’s wish was that donations be made to West Congregational Church or to a local nonprofit organization.