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Marilyn E Stearns was called home to the Banquet of Our Lord on Sunday August 7, 2022. She was born in Springfield, Ma. on July 16th, 1942, to Kurt and Genevieve (Trybulski) Menge. She is survived by her loving husband, the Rock of Gibraltar Lawrence P. Stearns of Longmeadow, Ma. and sister Therese Bordas of Florida, and pre-deceased by her brother Fr. James P. Menge.
Larry and Marilyn raised 7 wonderful children guiding them in the Love of Christ and instilling in them the power of prayer and service to others. Mom taught us through example, praying the rosary daily and making sure we always said grace complete with the Pro-life prayer for the unborn before every supper. She had us looking after the neighbors, whether it was having us include the Special needs boy in our wiffleball games, or playing cards and spending time with Mr. T. Perhaps it was bringing food to Matty or hanging with Ms. Weaver, she always had us giving to others. It was not just limited to our neighborhood as we visited the sick in nursing homes all over Western Mass. She would bring Martha to play the piano at Christmas time, sharing with not only Uncle Jimmy and Auntie Babsy, but with all the residents as well. We would Feed those in need at the soup kitchen in Springfield and gave so much of our time to helping others. Mom dubbed our family the "Calico Patch” and truly a Family of love we were. Larry, the love of her life was always there for her, taking care of her every need 24/7. He is the greatest Dad ever! He brought so much Joy to Marilyn and his never-ending love for his Family raises the bar for us all. Mom would always tell us to” Remember who you are”! Lawrence P. Stearns and Marilyn E. Stearns You are who we are! Mom’s Love will always shine through Dad and continue forever.
Mom will be sorely missed by her sons James Anziano of Springfield, Paul Anziano and his wife Kim of Belchertown, Carl Stearns and his wife Kimberly of Coeur d’ Alene Idaho, Mark Anziano and his wife Francine of West Hartford CT, John Anziano of Springfield and his girlfriend Rose. Her daughters Vikki Bosse and husband Peter of Walpole and Martha Anderson-Stec and husband Randy will continue her legacy of Love. Babci’s selfless giving will be passed on by her grandchildren Mathew Anziano and his wife Karolina of Belchertown, Catherine Tomilla and her husband Michael, Timothy Bosse, Abigail Bosse, Madeline Bosse, Mary Catherine Bosse, Terrell Bosse, Adri Anziano, Jessica Anziano, Kimberly Stearns, and Benjamin Stearns. Her great grandchildren, Nora Anziano and Valerie Anziano will surely learn of Babci’s legacy when we continue the Pumpkin parties and Easter Egg tree toss traditions that Babci so loved having for her grandkids.
Marilyn grew up on Plainfield Street in Springfield, where she loved playing hopscotch, Cowboys and Indians, jacks, and jump rope with all the neighborhood kids. She loved singing in the choir at Sacred Heart. Music was a huge part of her life. We would pray and sing together at home and in church. Mom always said, “Singing is praying twice”. Our Favorite was “I got that Joy Joy Joy Joy down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart to stay and if the devil doesn’t like it he can sit on a tack, sit on a tack to stay” Mom was in her glory when she got to play Marie from the Sound of Music at the St. Mary’s Variety show. Accompanied by her own Van Trap Family in custom made Austrian garb (Knickers and suspenders complete with little German hats) we sang “ Do- Re- Me- Fa- So- La -Te -Do”
She loved the beach, camping, dancing and was an avid Red Sox and Celtics fan, all of which see shared with her entire Family. We watched the Sox break the Curse at The “ Calico Patch” and cried tears of Joy together. She crocheted, made clothes for her children, and valued the gift of homemade items. Marilyn never missed attending all her children’s sporting, dance, scouting, etc. events and was proud to say that she never missed a drama performance/production of her son John M. Anziano.
Mother Stearns loved her dogs especially her rescued dog “Chloe” and was deeply saddened at her passing. It was so special when the Bosse’s would bring “Brody “or Fran and Mark made sure “Bandit” came to visit. She got so much joy when cousin Veronica would stop by on her walks with “Cookie” as well.
Marilyn was always there for her friends, in times of joy or sorrow she was there. She showed us how to be a true friend. She had so many dear friends many of whom I’m sure were there waiting to greet her at the gates of Heaven. Her dearest and best friend Theresa Cummins was able to pray, laugh and cry with us on Marilyn’s last day. We cannot thank all the Friends enough for the tremendous amount of love and support you have shown. If you want to honor Marilyn .Be a True Friend.
Marilyn Graduated from Our Lady of the Elms College in 1964 with a B.A. in Education. She taught first grade in Springfield and CCD in Longmeadow. Marilyn worked at Young & young religious bookstore on Worthington Street in Springfield. She continued her pastural work spreading the word and love of Christ. Marilyn had a B.A. in Education, a Masters in Motherhood, and a Doctorate in Spreading Christ Love. She was a Crusader for Life, organizing mailings, fund raisers(Giant Tag Sale at St. Mary’s) , the Longmeadow life-chain, the Thursday Pro-Life Vigil at St. Michaels Cathedral. She received the Pioneer Valley Pro-Lifer of the year award in 2014. She was the President of the Longmeadow Chapter. Mom was a Pillar of Prayer, and always implored us to pray for others. Pray! Pray! Pray! To view the Full Obituary Please visit www.forastiere.com
Calling Hours will be held Friday 8/12/22 4pm -7pm @ Forastiere Smith Funeral Home 220 North Main
St., East Longmeadow, MA. 01028 with Liturgy of Christian Burial at ST. Michaels Cathedral @ 10am
followed with burial in St. Michaels Cemetery in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Pro-Life of Pioneer Valley www.prolifepv.com