Carol Loysen Obituary

Born in Rochester, NY, Carol was the daughter of Beatrice S. and Lynn N. Bitner, both of whom were in the newspaper business and. who infused her with the tradition of journalism. She attended Wellesley and Elmira Colleges, and graduated from the Katharine Gibbs School in New York City.

In 1959, she married David Loysen, whom she met on a blind date. They moved multiple times as David was transferred to different locations with his job. In 1971 they settled in Princeton, MA, where they lived for the next 21 years. While raising her two children, Carol worked part-time as a reporter for the Holden Landmark, a small locally focused newspaper, as well as caring for several horses.

They moved to Stowe, VT, in 1992 when they bought Evergreen Gardens,. a struggling garden center and together managed a successful turnaround. In her spare time, Carol became known for her tireless volunteer work with the Stowe Theatre Guild where she was a familiar and welcoming presence. Whether assisting with front-of-house duties, designing and making costumes or supporting the Guild's mission to bring high-quality community theater to central Vermont, her commitment helped sustain the arts in the historic Town Hall Theatre.

Carol is survived by her husband, David; her son David Jr. and wife Blanca, daughter Tracy and husband Robert Duncan, grandson Isak Duncan; and her sister, Susan Weaver. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Laurence M. Bitner.

A celebration of Carol's life and legacy will be planned for later in the year. In her memory and in lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to local organizations that foster the arts and community spirit in Stowe or in your own home town.