Carolyn S. Hillriegel, 76, of Derby, VT, died peacefully at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Carolyn was born on September 9, 1948, in Walton, NY, to Clifford Washburn and Pansy (Reynolds) Washburn. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and teacher.

Carolyn touched countless lives as a music teacher in schools throughout the Northeast Kingdom and as a private piano instructor. She cared deeply for every student she taught and was lovingly known as "Mrs. H." After retiring from school teaching, she homeschooled two of her great-grandchildren until her health no longer permitted. Carolyn also played the piano and led the praise team at Newport Baptist Church. Her incredible gift for music and her presence will be greatly missed.

Family was Carolyn's greatest joy. She found happiness surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Holidays and birthdays were filled with laughter, love, and the joyful sound of little feet running through the house — just the way she loved it.

Carolyn married her high school sweetheart, Daniel Hillriegel, on June 30, 1968. Together, they raised three children: Julie, Sarah, and Stephen. Carolyn graduated from Margaretville Central School in Margaretville, NY. After her children were in school, she pursued her passion for psychology, earning an associate degree from Orange County Community College in Middletown, NY, and a bachelor's degree from S.U.N.Y. New Paltz.

Carolyn was predeceased by her father, Clifford Washburn; her in-laws, Harold and Leona Hillriegel; her brother, Clifford Washburn; two sisters-in-law, Kathleen Avery and Esther Walsh; and two brothers-in-law, Carlton Hillriegel and George Hillriegel.

She is survived by her mother, Pansy McKinnon, and her husband Barry McKinnon of Andes, NY; her husband of 56 years, Daniel Hillriegel of Derby, VT; and her children: Julie Jenness of New Port Richey, FL; Sarah Hillriegel and her partner Derrick Vezina of Irasburg, VT; and Stephen Hillriegel and his wife Beth of St. Petersburg, FL.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brianna Madden of Derby, VT; Robert (Bobby) Guyer Jr. and his wife Ashleigh of Holland, VT; Daniel Guyer and his wife Taryn of Derby, VT; Austin Guyer of Morgan, VT; Kaitlyn Lamb of Arizona; Riley Hillriegel of Florida; and Rylie Jenness of Derby, VT. Additionally, Carolyn leaves behind her cherished great-grandchildren: Abigail, Reuben, Ruth, Jaxson, Decklyn, Sutton, Ellie, Nevaeh, and Everett.

Carolyn is also survived by her sister, Connie Cochran, and her husband Phil of Alaska; her brother, Robert Washburn, and his wife Dee of Binghamton, NY; her brother-in-law, Bill Hillriegel of California; and her sisters-in-law, Harriet Hanselman of NY; Caroleen Hungerford and her husband John of NY; and Martha Yin and her husband Stan of California. She will also be lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Newport Baptist Church, East Main Street, Newport, VT. Calling hours will begin at 11:00 AM until the service at 1:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Dave Lisner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Carolyn's name can be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or online at samaritanspurse.org. Online condolences may be shared at curtis-britch.com.