Caroline L. Crooker, 61, of Lyndeborough, NH passed away on December 31, 2024.

Caroline moved all around New England, but she always believed home is where your heart is, which she found in Lunenburg, Vermont, where she met her husband of 45 years, Martin Crooker. The two resided in southern New Hampshire throughout their marriage and had two really awesome kids, Bailiegh (Crooker) MacDuff and Wesley Crooker II. Caroline would tell you herself that she had the best stepson she could ever find, Kristoffer Spear, he and his wife, Catherine, gave her three grandchildren, Autumn, Ava and Jack. Caroline cherished her bond with her son-in-law Eric, always looking forward to him making her a special cup of coffee and discussing her latest research. She proudly embraced her role as Nana to her grandsons, Scott and Elliot. She eagerly anticipated her weekly visits with her grandsons, turning ordinary moments into playful adventures. Caroline was born March 21,1963 to Charles and Juanita (MacDonald) Drake. She was always known as the baby, the youngest of eight.

Caroline found her calling in cosmetology, graduating from Michael’s School of Hair Design in 1984. Caroline started her first salon, Silver Shears, alongside her business partners in 1985. She then leaped into solo business ownership opening the Hair Cottage, where she worked as long as her body allowed. After retiring in 2020, she deeply felt the absence of her connection with clients, missing the meaningful interactions she cherished so much. She always claimed she never worked a day in her life, because she believed if you loved your job it was never considered work. Caroline had several other business ventures including The Wild Harvest Fiddlers, which supplied many local grocery stores with fiddleheads in the early weeks of spring. Throughout her career, she made sure to give back to the community that raised her by hosting many benefits and proudly volunteering for the Look Good Feel Better program through the American Cancer Society.

Later in her life, Caroline spent her time learning about her family ancestry, specifically the Mi’kmaq tribe of Nova Scotia, and studying at Harvard University online. She was a proud Republican and NRA member. She had endless hobbies and interests but found true happiness in the company of her friends and family, “her people”.

Caroline’s legacy will be defined by her big heart and generosity, always standing up for her beliefs and making everyone she met feel like a new best friend. She believed the most important things in life were her people and inspired many of them to chase their dreams and to be the best version of themselves.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 9th from 3:00pm-6:00pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 11th at 11:00AM at the Second Congregational Church, 25 Gregg Street, Wilton, NH, immediately followed by a celebration of her life at the Milford Masonic Temple, 30 Mont Vernon St, Milford. We encourage those who loved her to come and celebrate because her life deserves to be celebrated!

In lieu of flowers, go have a cup of coffee with someone you love or a night of fun with an old friend.

Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com