Miriam Stearns

Miriam (Hawkins) Stearns, 84, beloved wife of Stedman G. Stearns for 64 years, died Sunday June 22, 2003 at Hartford Hospital following a prolonged illness. Born on Nov. 20, 1918, she lived in Mansfield, Bloomfield and Green Valley,AZ. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter Vera A. Stearns of Storrs and formerly of NYC, her son and daughter in law Carroll S. Stearns and Nancy Stearns and their children Carolyn and Michael of S. Windsor. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and extended family. Miriam was predeceased by her parents Carroll H. Hawkins and Vera (Freeman) Hawkins as well as by her brother Donald F. Hawkins and her sister Justine H. Fellows. Miriam was a member of the First Church of Christ Congregational in Mansfield Center and an Associate Member of the Community Church in Green Valley, AZ. She was Past Matron of Eastern Star Chapter #81, Bloomfield, and a charter member of the Southern Star Chapter #71 in Green Valley. She was a dedicated Sunday School teacher of many years both in Mansfield and Green Valley. Miriam was a retiree of the State of Ct., working 25 years on both the UConn campus and in Hartford. Her family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Tuesday from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 2:00pm at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 549 Storrs Rd. in Mansfield Center with the Rev. Lindsay Fulmer officiating. Burial will follow in the Mansfield Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests memorial donations to the First Church of Christ Congregational, 549 Storrs Rd., Mansfield Center, CT. 06250 or to a charity of the donor's choice.