Carol Ann (Bertolotti) Kwapien, 77, passed away June 3, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Springfield on February 8, 1945, she was the daughter of the late David S. & Eleanor (Loncrini) Bertolotti.
Carol was a gifted and gentle healer, teacher and mentor who brightened many lives. After graduating from the Springfield Hospital School of Nursing, Carol began her career as a registered nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Honolulu and Wesson Women’s Hospital in Springfield. She went on to become a Certified Occupational & Environmental Health Nurse - Specialist, OSHA trainer, Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, Reiki Master, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Practitioner of Meridian Therapy & Acupressure, as well as a sought-after consultant. As a presenter at conferences across the country, adjunct faculty Springfield Technical Community College, the World Institute of Cognitive Sciences and through her private practice, she was a dedicated, effective teacher and had great affection for her students. She earned a B.S from St. Joseph’s College and a Master of Science in Complementary & Alternative Medicine. Over the years she was the recipient of awards and accolades including the Otis Clapp Research Award and published in numerous professional journals. Later in her career she provided Healing Touch and comfort to many patients at the Baystate Hospital Hematology/Oncology Suite and Breast Center.
Carol loved to sing, celebrate the holidays with family, travel with her husband Tom and won nearly every Scrabble game she played. One of her favorite places to visit was Ogunquit, Maine where she enjoyed walking the Marginal Way and alongside the ocean. After living in Springfield for many years, Carol & Tom moved to Newfane, VT and then Hatfield. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted friend. Carol was a strong woman with a tender heart. She will be missed.
Carol is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Thomas Kwapien, children, Andrea Kwapien & husband Robert Richards of Northampton, Thomas Kwapien, Jr. & wife Elizabeth of Westfield, grandchildren Grace & Eleanor Kwapien, several great-grandchildren, brother, David Bertolotti, Jr. of Coconut Creek, FL, and other extended family & friends.
Family and friends are invited to Carol’s Chapel Service, Thursday, June 9, 11 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Please arrive up to 15 minutes beforehand.
Please consider a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.
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