Carol Jean Hills

Carol Jean Hills of Somersworth, NH, 66, passed away peacefully on May 27, surrounded by her loving family, after a 4-year brave battle with 3 types of cancer. She was born June 5, 1958, in Nashua, NH, the daughter of the late Jean (Smith) and Donald E. Hills. She was the proud and devoted mother of three sons and two grandchildren. Carol attended Nashua, NH, schools, graduating from Nashua High in 1976. She graduated from the New Hampshire Vocational Technical College in 1981. In August 1985, Carol married John Arnold, with whom she shares her three sons. They resided in Temple and then Peterborough, NH, for the duration of their marriage. Carol spent 14 years at Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), where she met many lifelong friends. She started as a secretary in software documentation and was promoted to technical editor. Following her DEC career, she worked for 18 years in the administrative office of the Contoocook Valley School District, and then two years in the Barrington School District, both in New Hampshire. Carol was an excellent cook, enjoyed drama (acting in local theater), gardening, music, running (including running the Boston Marathon twice), and especially time with her children and grandchildren. She was a lifelong registered Democrat, and a member of the New Frontiers Church and Be Free Church in Dover, NH. Everyone who knew Carol admired her spirit, determination, sense of humor, and kindness. Although her last years were painful and difficult, she never complained, relied on her deep faith, and resolved to keep living life to the fullest. Carol was predeceased by her sister, Cathy (Hills) Therrien, who passed in 1998, as well as dogs Teddy and Smokey. Carol is survived by her three sons, Nathan and his wife, Holly (Brouillette) of Worcester, MA, and Jesse and Sean, both of New Hampshire; her grandchildren (Jesse’s children) Greyson and Elise; her brother William Hills of Madison, NC; her former husband, John Arnold; 27 first cousins; and her beloved cats, Millie and Dottie.

Family and friends will hold a Celebration of Life at a future date in Temple, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s memory may be made to Mercy Ships at www.mercyships.org. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Hampton. To view Carol’s Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit https://csnh.com.