Arlynne C. Grearson

LEBANON, N.H. – Arlynne Carroll Grearson, 93, dearly loved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully at home in Lebanon, N.H., on May 28, 2025, surrounded by family after a brief illness. Born in Waltham, Mass., Arlynne and her husband Doug lived and raised their family in Connecticut and in Meriden, New Hampshire before retiring to Kennebunk.

A graduate of Massachusetts College of Art in Boston and an accomplished artist in several mediums, Arlynne created an array of works throughout her lifetime while simultaneously raising children, baking bread, tending gardens, and keeping a variety of animals. While teaching elementary school in North Conway, N.H., she met Douglas C. Grearson, the cousin of one of her students. They married in June 1956 and relocated to Connecticut, where she taught until starting their family. During their many years in Meriden, she led numerous 4-H groups that ranged from model rocketry to wildflower identification to purebred Hampshire sheep. An avid reader and learner and an enthusiastic patron of multiple libraries, she always had many books in progress. Arlynne was a lifelong environmentalist who loved being outdoors in her gardens, travelling to the Southwest, or relaxing at her beloved cottage on Lake Wentworth in Wolfeboro, N.H. She maintained a deep sense of wonder and appreciation of the natural world throughout her life, celebrating its small details with joy.

Arlynne is survived by her four children, Paul Douglas (Diane Crabtree) of Salisbury, Mass.; Arlynne Faye (Ralph Winslow) of Lebanon, N.H.; Jessie Carroll (Viren Sapat) of Falmouth; and Merey Kate (Jeff Gaeckle) of Olympia, Wash. She was Nonnie, a loving grandmother to her six grandchildren and a caring aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Arlynne was predeceased by her parents, her dear sister Joanne (Carroll) Katz, and her husband of 62 years, Douglas C. Grearson in 2019. Private family services will be held.

Arlynne was a kindhearted parent, sister, friend, and neighbor, a cheerleader for her loved ones, and she is deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Sullivan County Humane Society (Claremont, N.H.) or Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library (Kennebunkport) are appreciated.