Carol Ann (Strand) Stearns

Carol Ann (Strand) Stearns, 82, of Taunton, went home to be with the Lord on December 17, 2022. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Carol was the beloved wife of the late Richard E. Stearns to whom she was married on September 14, 1963.

Carol was born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 14, 1940. She was the beloved daughter of the late Alfred W. and Catherine R. (Padula) Strand. She grew up in Dedham, Massachusetts and graduated from Dedham High School in 1958. She possessed remarkable poise and beauty and competed in several local beauty pageants and fashion shows. In 1961 she became licensed as a Massage Therapist and years later would travel to clients' homes so they could enjoy the healing power of massage. Carol also worked as a secretary, which is how she met her husband. After honeymooning in Niagara Falls, they made their home in Sharon, Massachusetts, where they raised two children and remained until moving to Attleboro in 1999.

Carol was very spiritual and had a strong faith in the Lord. She was an adherent of the Salvation Army and enjoyed ministering to others. She kept a prayer journal where she would record her hopes and blessings for others. She also enjoyed knitting and made a number of warm hats that she distributed to those in need. During the holidays Carol liked to make small gift bags to distribute to local residents of nursing homes. She also loved to play the piano and organ and had a lovely singing voice. Her favorite songs were the old-time hymns she grew up hearing in church. She also had a gift for writing poetry.

Carol leaves behind her loving children, Martha Petersen and her partner Guy Baima of Taunton and Andrew Stearns and his wife Moreen of Mansfield. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Brian Petersen of North Attleboro; Jeffrey Petersen and his wife Christina of Uxbridge; David Stearns of North Attleboro; and Katherine (Katie) Stearns of Mansfield. Carol is also survived by her loving brother John Strand and his wife Shirley of Franklin, several nieces and nephews, and her former son-in-law Eric Petersen of North Attleboro.

Per Carol's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. She preferred for family and friends to come together at a later date for a Celebration of Life.

Please omit flowers. If you wish to make a memorial contribution in Carol's name, she would've been honored if you chose the Salvation Army.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lake funeral home.com.Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.508-695-0200