Carol E. (Oldenbrook) Twyon

Sunapee, NH – Carol Elaine Twyon, 77, of Garnet Street passed away on Tuesday, February 14th, 2017.

Born in Winchester, MA on February 13, 1940, Carol was an admittedly shy girl, but full of underlying courage to take on any challenges throughout her life. During her time at Reading High School, she surprised herself by becoming head cheerleader, leading the school in pep rallies. Building more confidence, she earned a scholarship and attended Westbrook Junior College in Portland, ME. While there, her activities included acting club, tennis team, field hockey, and co-editor of the yearbook. If that wasn’t impressive enough, she was elected a Junior Dean for her academics, an honor given to only ten girls in the entire college.

After college, Carol worked at a secretary position, but impulsively quit while on vacation at Cypress Gardens. For almost a year, our demure Carol was a part of the water-skiing team and performed in four shows a day, including the pyramid act! While different and exciting, Carol decided the team wasn’t what she wanted to do for the rest of her life, so she moved back to her parents’ home in Weare, NH. This was serendipitous timing, for she soon met Walter “Wally” Humphrey and it was love at first sight. The inseparable pair were quickly married on September 29, 1962 and had nine blissful years together. Their love brought two sons into the world, Christopher and Mark, whom they lovingly doted over. Unfortunately, Wally passed away in an accident. But Carol found the strength to pull herself together and make a “positive go of it”. It was either sink or swim, and by golly she was an excellent swimmer.

Carol made a tenacious example of herself, securing a secretarial position at State Street Bank & Trust Company in Boston, MA for 12 years. From there, she landed an impressive position with WB Ruger Sr. as his executive secretary for 20 years. She later met Bruce Twyon and found her heart ready to love again. They were married on August 21st, 1993 and had three joyous years together.

When she wasn’t working, she could often be found in her garden. In fact, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith happened to pass by one day and remark about how gorgeous Carol kept her botanicals. Carol was one of the most unassuming people you’d ever meet. She found the grit to fight lung cancer, and still always found the time to bake a pie whenever someone was coming over. She adored her grandchildren, who deemed her “Poppy” for the sound she’d always make to entertain them. She was gentle, sweet, absolutely loved cats, and had more strength than she ever gave herself credit for. She will sorely be missed.

Carol was predeceased by her parents, Gerrit and Martha (Burke) Oldenbrook; husband, Walter Humphrey; husband, Bruce Twyon; and sister, Joanne.

Surviving family members include her sons, Christopher Humphrey of Sunapee, Mark Humphrey of Newbury; sisters, Martha and Nancy; and grandchildren, Matthew, Samuel, Gabriel, Austin, and Zander.

Calling hours are from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, February 17th, 2017 at Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, 42 Main Street in Newport, NH. A service will be held Saturday, February 18th at 11 am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society at 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03748.

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