Condolence: Memories of Cal Maggie Robinson Bottino

Just before Cal moved this fall, Steve and I called her.
We hadn’t seen her or spoken with her for a long time.
You wouldn’t have thought that she was nearly blind and having to move out of her home the following week. She was herself, incredibly lively and humorous.
She sounded so brave about the move. She knew she had her family nearby. Family, friends, and their families were everything to her. She was one of my Mom’s dearest friends.
She was like an Aunt to me.

Cal loved adventure. Whatever we did with her was always so much fun!
It started when I was in her kindergarten class!
She was an amazingly creative teacher. Her excitement about learning was infectious! Naturally, Sesame Street especially Ernie’s Rubber Ducky was part of her kindergarten curriculum. She even gave me a rubber ducky for my bathtub at my daughter Anna’s Baby Shower! The duckie came with a huge jar of vaseline which we kept as a keepsake for years. Yes I know that was kind of weird, but also hilarious!

Just last week I talked with my daughter Anna about how very special Cal was to my family and I. I shared holiday party memories with family and friends. I told her how dedicated a friend she was to my mother and her other close friends. She had many.I told her what it was like to have her as my kindergarten teacher. I talked about how deeply interested she was in other peoples lives and how they were doing. It didn’t take long for my daughter to understand the impact Cal had on my life.

She was the first person to inspire me to become an elementary school music teacher.
Cal loved to laugh. She loved practical jokes.
She loved costumes and parties. She recycled and reused cards and wrapping paper before anyone else I knew did.

It wasn’t easy for everyone including her when she lost her best friend Diane. She soon married Jack, Diane’s husband. People had a lot to say about this but she knew it was the right thing to do. As a married woman, I have looked back on that time and thought how special that was for Jack. Diane knew Cal would take care of him and his children, and she did
while continuing to care for her own family.

When I became engaged and Steve and I were at my parents house in Swanzey. She popped in as she often did to say hello, give us hugs, and most importantly, check Steve out!
She made him turn around slowly before saying something like “Okay, you’ll do!”

I miss Cal. I feel so blessed to have known her. I truly believe she is at peace in heaven entertaining the children, adults, angels, Jesus, and God himself with her hilarious stories and practical jokes.

I will remember her most when I am playing creative games and singing with the kindergarteners I work with.
I am sending love, prayers and peace to her family and friends.


Maggie Robinson Bottino

Condolence: Jeanne,
A long lost MRHS 82 classmate passes on his condolences. Your mom raised some great kids!

Condolence: Carolyn will forever be in my heart as will the wonderful generation that went before. I felt the spirit of our aunt Laura, my father William, and her wonderful mother as they welcomed her to eternal life. So many memories are left to give us strength and wisdom. I loved her joyful spirit, her willingness to "get lost" , and her loving nature. Duck and snowflakes will always remind me of my cousin. Carolyn adored her family and I am so sad for you as she leaves a big void in your lives. May the memories keep you warm.
May the love of Providence be with you. Jane Curley

Condolence: J.R., MaryBeth, Gerritt, Carleton and all of Nana's loved ones -- We are very sad and sorry to hear of Cal's passing. She always brought a laugh and upbeat attitude to any gathering. Abbie will always remember Nana "chopping the head off the fish" on the back porch of the cottage. Who could forget that? Nana to the rescue --- she knew how to filet the fish, and what a great meal that was! We will miss not seeing her one more time. Love, Tom, Kathy and Abbie

Condolence: Words can hardly describe the sadness in learning this amazing woman has left us. My mom and her were maternal cousins, luckily having a chance to see her in September during our annual stay on Drake's island and over the phone the week that she passed. My Mom and I first visited the beach house in 2001. We had gone to stay for a visit at Carolyns home, when after a scenic road trip, for which she was famous, including tales of the wedding cake house, she revealed, " The beach house is available " and after that stay we were hooked. It won't be the same, but I know we will feel her presence ever more while in Maine. Thoughts and prayers to Maryanne, Meg, Tim and J R and your families. We will be there on the 25 th, weather permitting and rest assured my mom has stories of their childhood. My Mom remembers Carolyn s duck Dottie for sure. With Love Joan