Carolyn Mower Burns, 69, passed away after a short illness at her home in West Stockbridge on Wednesday, November 16, surrounded by her family and friends.
Born in Hollywood, California on July 23, 1947, to James and Ida (Bell) Mower, Carolyn grew up in Stockbridge. She attended the Stockbridge Plain School, and graduated high school from the Buxton School in Williamstown. She earned a BA from Bennington College and a Master’s degree in Social Work from SUNY Albany.
Carolyn was a visionary in the area of children and families and she dedicated 47 years to this work. She established herself as a leader both locally and statewide as a result of the relationships she cultivated and her keeping a constant eye on emerging social trends, most recently in the area of child and family wellbeing.
Carolyn worked at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (formerly the Department of Social Services) for 20 years, nine of which she served as the Area Director of Western Massachusetts. She spent her last 27 years working for Berkshire Children and Families, a comprehensive family service agency in Western Massachusetts, which flourished under her direction and vision. She became the President and CEO of BCF as she continued her service and advocacy for child welfare.
Carolyn believed in challenging the root causes of social obstacles facing children and families. She believed passionately that all children and families had strengths and talents but that not all of them had opportunities to thrive. She worked to develop programs such as the Kids 4 Harmony music program in order to create long-term opportunities for childhood success.
Carolyn was fiercely loyal, opinionated and had impeccable tastes. She treasured her family and friends, enjoyed edgy food, great music, swimming, fashion, and all of the other joys that life brought her. Carolyn gave her family the gift of unconditional love and support, and her legacy will live on in them as well as in all the work she has done for her community and the countless children and families that this work has impacted. She is survived by her beloved son Morgan, his partner Annie, her grandchildren Everett and Edith, her sister Susan, and niece Kelly.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Stockbridge on Monday, November 21 at 10 a.m., conducted by Rev. Samuel J. Smith, pastor.
In lieu of flowers, Carolyn’s family asks that you consider donating to Berkshire Children and Families through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to her family or to sign the guestbook go to www.finnertyandstevens.com.
