Carol Hogan
October 13, 2021
Highland Falls, NY
Carol Hogan, age 80, of Exeter NH, died in her home on October 13th. In her inimitable style, Carol left this world in the same manner that she had lived her life; on her own terms.
Carol was born in Cornwall NY to Brud (William) and Josie (Josephine) Hogan of Highland Falls NY. Carol was the oldest of nine children, who spent their early years in a multigenerational home on Fostoria Street. Some of Carol’s fondest childhood memories were of skating at the West Point rink, and sneaking off at night to swim at Long Pond with her friends. Carol often recounted a rather indelicate story of her first job in the West Point laundry; a venture which her father insisted would “build character.” Carol graduated from Ladycliff Academy, and despite the nuns ironic insistence that she had a vocation, she went on to earn a degree in teacher education from SUNY Albany. Carol often mused that she missed a lot of classes, but never missed a social event.
Carol’s first marriage brought her to Doylestown PA, where in the early days she gave birth to her three children, while her husband played semi pro football. The death of their oldest son Jeffrey at the age of nine from Leukemia contributed to the couples eventual divorce. Carol raised her two daughters (Kerry and Kathy) as a single parent, an activist and a feminist, often juggling numerous jobs while she earned a masters and ultimately a Doctoral degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. During this time, Carol found her people at the former Pebble Hill Church, and the friendships forged would last over the course of her lifetime.
Carol often equated her life to the opening line of Charles Dickens’ novel, A Tale of Two Cities (it was the best of times and it was the worst of times.) In “Life Part 2” as Carol called it; she met and married Philip Pendleton Thorpe (father of 4) the eternal love of her life. The couple moved to Albuquerque NM where they were consummate hosts, patrons of the arts, and where Carol began “riding the range” to various Indian reservations as a school psychologist. Soon after the couple moved on to Corrales NM where they opened the Sandhill Crane B&B as an expression of their love of company and entertaining, and over the years they warmly welcomed friends, family and strangers alike. Sadly it was in NM where Carol’s youngest daughter Kathy died of complications associated with liver disease at the age of 32.
Eventually the lure of being closer to family drew Carol and Phil back to Stonington CT. The couple loved their home on the water in Pawcatuck, bordered by the train tracks, where they enjoyed watching the life cycles of the osprey which nested on their property. Kindred spirits, Carol and Phil traveled the world as they shared a mutual love of exploration, culture, good food and cold beer.
Upon Phil’s passing, Carol moved on to her final home in Exeter NH. A natural born leader in mischief, Carol rallied her condo companions during the pandemic, instituting “Fuzzy Friday’s” as a means to stave off isolation, and to remain connected. In early 2020, Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer. And while she endured many months of chemotherapy; she ultimately chose to live the balance of her life without invasive or intensive treatments. Carol often quipped, that as the daughter of an undertaker, she would be more comfortable in a funeral home than she ever would be in a hospital. Carol spent her final days in her home surrounded by family, friends, her eclectic collection of artwork, and her multitude of decoys, always with an eye on the vagaries of the stock market.
Family was everything to Carol, and her nine grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved nothing more than attending their games and performances, and every graduation from preschool through college.
Generous of spirit, Carol maintained a vast network of friends from every stage of her life. She will be remembered for her natural warmth, her smile, her loud and easy laugh, and her off color sense of humor. She will be missed by many.
Carol is survived by her daughter Kerry Morton and her partner Sean Brennan of Wellesley, and Kerry’s nine children (Caitlin, Erin, Connor, Patrick, Casey, Owen, Devon, Rory and Nolan.) Heartbreakingly, Kerry’s daughter Finley predeceased her. Carol is also survived by her five sisters (Mary, Rita, JoAnn, Sara and Elizabeth) and her two brothers (Dan and Mike.) Carol will be sorely missed by her close cousin, PJ. She was also predeceased by her children Kathy and Jeffrey, her brother Bill, and Phil’s daughter Sue. Carol is also survived by Phil’s children (Carol, Ann, and Phil Jr.)
Per Carol’s wishes, a party will be thrown in celebration of her life, to be held in Stonington, CT befittingly around St. Patrick’s Day, details to follow.
Burial will be held privately in Highland Falls.
In lieu of flowers, the family would request that contributions be made in Carol’s memory to The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (https://www.bbrfoundation.org/)
Carol’s family would like to extend their eternal gratitude to Merrimack Valley Hospice, and all of the women who showed kindness, compassion and humor in their care of Carol.
Daniel A. Lawless
November 13, 1948—October 31, 2021
Milford, PA
Daniel A. Lawless passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2021, in Milford, PA. He was 72 years old. Son of the late Thomas F. and Helen L. Newell Lawless, he was born on November 13, 1948, in Suffern, NY.
Daniel proudly served his beloved country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1968-1970. After his honorable discharge, he worked construction for Union Local #373 Plumbers & Steamfitters in Mountainville, NY. Dan was a big Ducks Unlimited supporter, a member of the Highland Falls Softball League and also was a lifelong member of the NRA and Matamoras Rod & Gun Club.
He is survived by his children: Mark D. Daniel and his wife, Lucia of Lansing, TN; Karen M. Martinisi of Port Richey, FL; and Michelle A. Dodsworth and her husband, Alan of Milford, PA; siblings: Francis T. Lawless and his wife, Anne of Fort Montgomery, NY; and Eileen Greene and her husband, Jeffrey of Clarksville, TN; grandchildren: Jennifer, Valarie, April, David, Deston, and Olivia; 6 great grandchildren, and by his nieces and nephews: Gavin, Brandin, Kelsey, Emily, Kristianna, and Carly. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Linda Welsh Lawless, and his brothers: Thomas, John, and Patrick.
Cremation took place at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope, NY.
Visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Highland Falls. A Graveside service for the burial of cremains followed immediately after at Eagle Valley Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306; T2T.org
Arrangements by William F. Hogan Funeral Home, Highland Falls. (845) 446-2868 or www.wfhoganfuneralhome.com.