Carolyn Redden Lorandeau

Carolyn Redden Lorandeau CLAREMONT — Carolyn Redden Lorandeau, of Claremont, who died on Dec. 25, 2021, lived with the joys of an open heart for 87 years. As one of nine children born to Blanche and Leo Redden in Dover, New Hampshire, she was raised in Rollinsford, New Hampshire, graduated from St. Mary’s High School, and while at the three-year Mary Hitchcock School of Nursing, met Syd who became her husband of 65 years. More than 40 years of work as a registered nurse included a favorite job at the Keene Pediatrics Clinic, the award of an additional degree from Keene State College, faculty member at New Hampshire Technical College in Claremont, director of the LPN and Medical Assistant programs, and coordinator of cancer screening programs. Her quiet excellence in everything she did exuded a “show, not tell” type of love and commitment to others without expectation of recognition or return. When spending hours on setting a beautiful table, shopping for the perfect rug, or agonizing over placement of plant colors in the window box, she showed devotion to having a most welcoming home. Sewing the perfect seam on a prom dress, practicing a killer serve on the tennis court, creating insightful questions for book club, or decorating the church for a sacred holiday, she always did her best when engaged with others. Preparing favorite foods for a birthday celebration with passion, anxiously awaiting the special stocking stuffer to be opened, giving a “round of applause” for a grandchild’s accomplishment, or placing the hand-turned bowl in just the right spot, she showed how special, loved and important family and friends are. Arranging a visit from Mrs. McGillicuddy, happily welcoming the Martins when they appeared with two giant olives, yelling a “woo-hoo” to Syd in the garage, or gorging on Goldenrod kisses at the beach, she showed the joy in a life of fun. And whenever life presented complications, her stoic fortitude, along with a strong Catholic faith, provided acceptance and perseverance not only for herself, but also resulted in her becoming the quiet matriarch for a large extended family. Always “being there” for others meant not only donating a kidney to her brother, but also engaging in volunteer work for an organ donation special interest group in order to extend impact further. Her work and personal belief in health and human service efforts went beyond a professional career to impacting individuals in very personal ways. Carolyn leaves an ongoing spirit in a loving family that includes her husband, Sydney Lorandeau; a son and daughter and their spouses, Sydney and Terri Lorandeau, Rebecca and AJ Horvath; four grandchildren, Meghan and husband John Paulette, Tory Gentes, Sydney Lorandeau, Ally Horvath; one great-grandchild, Marlee Paulette; sister-in-law Patricia Woolson; and a very special clan of nieces and nephews of multiple generations. She also amassed an exceptional cadre of friends with like-minded spirit. She now joins her parents, eight siblings and many friends who predeceased her in a happy gathering of fun and will certainly have the best meal and hugs awaiting the rest of us when we join her. A private Mass will be celebrated. Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad St., Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.