Bennington, VT – Hertha L Carpenter, 96, resident of Bennington, VT passed away peacefully at her home on December 14, 2024.Hertha was born on October 28,1928 in Vienna, Austria to Anton Widl and Barbara Widl (Bayer). She would receive her education in Vienna. During her time spent there, she would meet her future husband, Robert Andrew Carpenter Sr., who was in the army. They fell in love, and would go on to marry in 1948. During their marriage, Hertha and Robert would have seven children and live a happy life together.Throughout her life, Hertha invested her talents for caregiving by being a babysitter. This talent extended into her becoming a Girl Scout Leader for many years – providing valuable lessons and instruction to young girls. Her compassionate nature led her to philanthropic activities, such as working on fundraisers for cancer research. Hertha also worked as a secretary at Charlie’s Mobile and Charlie’s Gunshop. Never staying sedentary, Hertha loved to keep busy and active; she enjoyed going to Curves and did over 3000 workouts.Hertha was wholly invested in spending time with her family. Meeting and holding her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would light her face up with the biggest smile. She was a talented seamstress and would sew maternity clothes, and other garments for her children and household. Hertha loved to cook, read, and was widely known for being a fantastic babysitter. Her family meant the world to her; her grandchildren would remark her as being kind, strong, joy-filled, and an incredible woman. Hertha always lent an ear to listen – and would remark that, “every cloud has a silver lining.” Her persona set an example to others on showing compassion, empathy, and forgiveness.Hertha is survived by her daughters: Barbara O’Dell (Gary), Janet Wells (Charlie), Judy Carpenter, Cindy Miller (Larry),and Donna King (Dennis). Her two sons: Bob Carpenter (Cynthia), and John Carpenter. She is also survived by her sixteen grandchildren: Christopher, Delta, Heidi, Chuck, Wendy, Tammy, Tim, Anna, Melissa, Samantha, Tabitha, Nicole, Sarah, Jake, Nick, and Rebecca. In addition, she is survived by her sixteen great-grandchildren.Hertha is predeceased by her husband, Robert Andrew Carpenter Sr. Her parents, Anton and Barbara Widl, and a twin sister who passed early on in age.
A memorial service for Hertha Carpenter will be held on December 20, 2024 at 2:00pm at Mahar Funeral Home located at 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. Friends and relatives are invited to a time of visitation prior to the memorial service beginning at 1:00pm.Hertha, in writing down her wishes, she questioned, “how do I want to be remembered?” She wrote, “I love my family, each and every one.”
