GOODWINS MILLS — Carol (Grant) Stearns, of Goodwins Mills, passed peacefully on March 18, 2014.

She enjoyed her 87 years at her family home, which was built by her grandfather. She was born, raised, married and raised her own family in this home, and continued to enjoy her family there, through many happy and fulfilling years of retirement.

Carol was a 1943 graduate of Kennebunk High School, and she married Stanley Stearns on Thanksgiving eve in 1944.

She was a lifelong member of the Goodwins Mills United Methodist Church.

While Carol held many jobs throughout her years, her most fulfilling was that of being a caring spouse, mother and grandmother to her family and all others who crossed her path. Carol was joyful, caring and giving. She continues to give of herself as a gracious anatomical donor to the University of New England in Biddeford.

Carol was preceded in death by: her husband, Stanley “Stan” Sr.; and her son, Stanley “Skip” Jr.

Carol is survived by: her daughter, Merrilee Meserve and her husband Clement; her sons, Stephen Stearns and wife Kathleen, David Stearns and Ronald Stearns and wife Jo-Ann; her daughter-in-law, Mary Stearns; her nieces, Beverly (Abbott) Harriman and Gail (Abbott) Philbrook; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Carol’s life will take place in late spring, when the beauty and energy of new life returns, after this long, hard winter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carol’s name to Goodwins Mills United Methodist Church, 55 Church St., Lyman, ME 04002; or to the Goodwins Mills Fire and Rescue, 481 Goodwins Mills Road, Lyman, ME 04002.