Carol Lee Pipinias
December 25, 1948 ~ May 23, 2015
Our beloved Carol Lee (Loring) Pipinias passed away surrounded by family after a brief illness, on May 23, 2015. Born in Portland to Harold Greeley Loring and Roberta (Lee) Loring in December of 1948, Carol entered the world on Christmas Day. Carol was soon joined by her Irish Twin sister Roberta, with whom she shared a deep and lifelong sisterly partnership. Together, Carol and Roberta bestowed their care on their younger sister and brother, Barbara and Harold Gregory as the Loring family grew up on Munjoy Hill. As a child, Carol had great initiative for exploration, experimentation, learning and teaching which foreshadowed her later formal calling as a public school educator. She excelled in her studies at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Elementary, Junior and High School. Among her many accomplishments were starring roles in the Cheverus High School production of Our Town. Carols capacity for charity and instrumental instruction lead her to Rivier College, Nashua, New Hampshire, where she received her Bachelors Degree in Social Work. During this time, Carol taught special needs students at a camp in Belgium and subsequently backpacked through and explored Europe with a good college friend. Upon graduating, Carol worked as a Social Worker at the Osteopathic Hospital and Portland City Hospital. Her calling for further service-oriented professional development led her to the University of Maine at Orono, where she earned her Masters Degree in Special Education. At this point in life, Carol met the love of her life, her future husband Joseph Pipinias. Carol began her lifelong, illustrious teaching career in Mattawamkeag, Maine and continued on to teach in public schools in Portland and Cumberland and lastly, at Swasey Central School in Brentwood, New Hampshire. Sheused her refined and expert abilities of over 40 years as a public school educator and involved colleague to guide her cherished students. Carols charity, kindness, radiant smile and sparkling personality will forever resonate within our hearts and souls. We love you, Carol. Carol is survived by her husband, Joseph, daughter Alexandra Muschinski and son-in-law Andrew Muschinski, granddaughters, Madeleine and Lillian, devoted mother, Roberta Loring, uncles Rev. Thomas Lee and Paul Loring, sisters Roberta Donnini and Barbara Loring, brother Harold Gregory Loring, dear sister-friend, Julie Marshall, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, as well as her many friends, educational community and cherished multitudes of students. Visiting Hours will be held on Sunday from 3-6PM at the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home on Monday at 9:15AM followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Congress Street, Portland. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. To view Carols Memorial Page, or to share a memory, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Childrens Museum of New Hampshire www.childrens-museum.org, the Childrens Museum Theatre of Maine www.kitetails.org, orto the fund that has been created to restore the funding cuts to the Swasey School budget at: www.gofundme.com/FullyFundSwasey
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I had the pleasure of working with Carol at Swasey Central School. As a Special Educator and as a classroom teacher, Carol was a tireless advocate for students. Her expertise, energy and love for her students was remarkable. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Thinking of all of her friends and family with love. Carol, you will be missed by the many lives you touched. Laney Sweet
– Laney Sweet
Carol was one of the most up beat and HAPPY personality that I have ever meet.Always quick to say GOOD MORNING and greet you with a smile. It was quite evident that she LOVED Swasey, her students, and in general her job. I had known her for three years and will continue to think of her foe many more.The world in general needs morepeople like her….She will be missed. Sincerely,Scott Mace ( Custodian)
– scott mace ( Custodian)
Our daughter, Acadia, had Mrs. Pipinias for first grade several years ago. Carol was the kindest, sweetest soul, and all the kids loved her. We are deeply saddened. Please accept our most sincere condolences during this time.
– The Smith family
Joe and family, we are so, so sorry for your family’s loss.She was a excellent teacher to two of our children. Tina & I worked with Carol as well with the Parent Faculty group here at SCS and we will miss her wit and huge warm smile. The world is a little dimmer today without her light. She will be greatly missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
– The Dennehy’s
To all who knew and loved Carol, whether friend or kin:She will be sorely missed, but, know that her light lives on in all of you, and she has, simply by being Carol, lightened many many lives with her grace and lightness. I hope it is a comfort to know that she is at peace now, and is with those that have gone before her and loved her, too.
– Leslie Ross
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.The Kajaks family
– Anda Kajaks
We are so sorry for your loss. My daughter, Alexa had Mrs. Pipinias last year for 1st grade and she was truly loved by all the children. She will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences.
– The Schlager Family
To the family of Carol L. Pipinias,I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that “Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) With sympathy,
– kelsey lee
Our hearts go out to you Joe, Alexandra and all of your loved ones. It’s difficult to picture our corner of the world without Carol, whose gentle and quiet nature hid a well of passion and toughness regarding the people and issues she loved. We are thankful to have so many fond memories of the good times, and will remember the sweetness of her smile and the ring of her shy laughter. God bless you.
– Elyse and Craig Seeley
Dear Joe–My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. May God’s grace look down upon you and be with you now and in the future.
– Marcia McCaffrey
Dearest family,We were stunned to hear of Carol’s passing ……..stunned! My family is broken-hearted. My sister Toni , cousin Joey Pio and I were just talking about Roberta and Carol Loring over Memorial Day and expressing our admiration for you, Roberta, and Carol……… and how we’d like to see you again!!!!!! As always, I mentioned how beautiful you both were inside and out! I certainly would have visited Carol had I’d known she was ill. We go back a long way with all of you growing up on the hill…..so many wonderful memories!. My entire family is devastated at the loss of one so young. We love you all and are praying for mom and all of you. Our deepest sympathy and love to all of you and To Carol’s family. Roberta, you know that I am especially thinking of you.
– Mary Navarro Bellino
As a member of the Swasey community, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs. Pipinias. She was truly loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Please accept my sincerest condolences.Jessica PaulSwasey Central School Parent Faculty Group
– Jessica Paul
To the Loring and Pipinias Families, please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved Carol as you are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult of times. May wonderful memories forever be in your hearts and may G-d hold Carol lovingly in the palm of his hand, always.
– Sharon Crasnick Minkovitz
I had the pleasure of working with Carol at Swasey for many years. A dedicated teacher, She always had a ready smile and kind word for everyone, staff and students alike. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and the Swasey community.
– Cindy Buckels
We are very saddened to hear of the passing of cousin Carol our thought’s and prayer’s are with you all. With love the Loring family Bangor,Maine
– Richard, Robin and Anna Loring, Bangor,Me
i was so sorry to read of Carol’s passing in this morning’s paper. I knew from Barbara that she had been ill but I hoped she was recovering. I had not seen Carol for many years but have such fond memories of growing up with the Loring family on Vesper St. and know what a wonderful, close family they are. My deepest condolences to all.
– Mark Crasnick
Roberta, I have a memory of this gentle beautiful girl, walking home from Cathedral in the afternoon sun. I’ll bet she had a wonderful life! To you and Carol’s family my condolences.
– Scott Moran
Carol was a gift to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. I’m proud to say I worked with such a warm, wonderful and talented woman. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her. My very deepest sympathy to all of Carol’s family.Sincerely,Marie Gilbert and Family
– Marie Gilbert
I remember Carol so very well. She was as cheerful and happy a person as I have ever known. Her great capacity to care for others was always evident and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
– Concord, NH
Joe and family, we are so, so sorry for your family’s loss. My daughter Mariana had her as a teacher in 2nd grade several years ago. She will be greatly missed by all! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time……
– The Murby Family
Dear Joe, Alexandra and family,John and I just learned today that Carol had passed away. We had no idea she was ill and are very sad to hear this news. I hadn’t talked to her for a long time, but I will always have a very special memory of her. When my son, Andrew died and I was unable to eat for many days, she brought over her homemade chicken soup. She sat with me, just talking quietly and gently got me to take a sip of soup. It was then that I started to be able to function again. She was a very kind person.
– Lorna and John Stevens
Dear Joe and Alexandra,I am so sorry I was not at visiting hours. We were stranded on Sturdivant Island. The wind was too strong for Chuck to row the dinghy to the boat. We tried 3 times before finally making it a little after 6. And on Mon. I had a tooth removed. I was with you in spirit. I loved Carol – I loved her reserve, her humor, her warmth, her love for her family, and her dedication to everything she did. I am so sorry she was taken from us way too early. I wll carry her in my heart always. Love, Linda
– Linda Crumrine
My sincere sympathy to Joe, Alexandra and Carol’s Loring family-Carol had a quiet presence that made those around her comfortable and at ease. Until, that is, she knew that something was not right, not fair, and not in the best interest of children. Then she was feisty-I loved that!Carol loved her family. She cherished Joe’s support. She was proud of her Alexandra. Carol loved wearing Alexandra’s jewelry. She loved seeing Alexandra become a wonderful mother. And she just adored those beautiful granddaughters.I will always be grateful for the guidance and support Carol so willingly gave me when I was a new teacher at Swasey. She will be missed.
– Kathy Desmarais
Dear Joe, Alexandra and family,Carol was just the right combination of tenderness and spunk. Her passion and thoughtfulness will be missed by all of us who have worked with her at Swasey School. I will be thinking of you all in the time ahead. Kathy
– Kathy Carson
Roberta-How you loved and cherished your sister was always so apparent whenever you spoke of her to any of us at SJA. She was pretty, funny and so very gracious to anyone and everyone. Love and light to you and your family…Melissa A. Taylor
– Melissa Alexander Taylor
i am so sorry for your lost. Carol was a great lady. I met her years ago when we were both Sped educators. She was a great advocate for her students. I’m the past few years I had the pleasure of subbing for Carol. She was still that positive, loving person. I so enjoyed being in her classroom. You would feel the love that she bestowed to the children and how much they loved her. Her touching caring reached well beyond the classroom. I will miss her cheery disposition and beautiful smile. God bless you all.
– Liliane Conlan
To the Family of Mrs Pipinias we are very saddened to hear of your loss. Our son Benjamin Almon was a student this year of hers. She touched Ben’s life so deeply and for that we will forever be greatful. Ben to this day talks about how she told all the kids they were all great kids and how she came to his hockey tryouts. She surely had a great way with not only the kids but the parents as well.With our deepest sympathyDavid, Beth and Ben Almon
– The Almon Family
Dear Auntie,You are kind.You are giving.You deserve more.We miss you,Kellys
– Darcy, Sean, Lydia and Adelaide
I had the pleasure of working with Carol while volunteering at Swasey. She was always so appreciative of the work I did with her students. It has been a pleasure to have known this special soul.
– Susan Mitchell
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.May she rest in peace.Deepest sympathies from the Tibbetts family.
– Joanne (Irace) Tibbetts
We are all so saddened to hear of Carol’s passing and our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Joe, Alexandra and the entire family. May she rest peacefully until she receives her very well earned angel wings. She was such a beautiful person here on earth, so I can only imagine how beautiful she is in heaven.
– Laura Woods and Family
My condolences to Joe and the family. Carol is remembered for all that she did for hundreds of children. She advocated always and loved unconditionally. And, she loved her family deeply. She is missed.
– Joan Ostrowski
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Carol will surely be missed. She was such a truly loveable and kind person.
– Carolyn Johnson and Family
Dear Joe and Family, My deepest sympathy and condolences to you and all your family. Carol was such a sweet and kind person. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of her. Keeping all of you in my prayers during this very difficult time. Love, Jackie
– Jackie Frey
Dear Joe,So sorry for your loss.. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family..
– Dina Rabuck
Dear Joe,I have fond memories, growing up with Carol and her sister, Roberta on Munjoy Hill. She was such a class act! Please know that we are praying for you and your family.Mary and Richard Burke
– Mary and Richard Burke
Dear Alex, Andy and family,We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Lauren, Jason, Sean and Nicole
– The Franks Family
Joe and family- We are so, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our son Will had Carol as a teacher many years ago. She was such a kind, caring teacher and person. She will be remembered with great fondness.
– The Micali Family
Dear Joe,My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. With my deepest sympathy, Irene Koffink
– Irene Koffink
Dear Joe & Alex,We were so sad to hear about Carol. She will be remembered as a sweet soft spoken lady who touched and warmed the hearts of many of our children! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.Hugs, AL, Patty, Alyssa , & Evan
– The Crafts Family
To my friend Barbara, her Mother, Sister Roberta , Brother Harold Gregory, and the whole Loring family. I wish to send my deepest sympathy,Over the loss of your beautiful Carol . My thoughts and prayers are with you and with her as she makes her journey home to The place of her original light. God be with you all. Love you Barbara.
– Sue Ellen Monaghan
So deeply sorry for your loss. As Lucas said the other day, Swasey has lost a golden heart. Mrs. Pipinias touched many little lives in such a loving way. Sweet rest dear lady.
– Deanna Raymond; Samuel and Lucas Dawson