Mary T Stearns

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary T. Stearns, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who left this world peacefully on June 21, 2026, at the age of 94. Mary was born on April 14, 1932, in Valparaiso, Indiana, to the late Elmer and Martha Tarnow. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Howard Stearns, her cherished daughter, Karen Dietrich, her brother, Herman Tarnow, and her sister, Anna Wallace. Mary shared a beautiful life with her husband, Howard, whom she married on September 9, 1952. Together, they created a loving home filled with warmth and laughter. Their union was blessed with two devoted children, Susan Olson and David Stearns, who survive her. Mary was a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren and a great-grandmother to ten great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy and pride to her life. Throughout her career, Mary dedicated 15 years of service as a church secretary at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kettering, Ohio. Her work was more than just a job; it was a reflection of her faith and her commitment to her community. Her colleagues and congregation members remember her as a kind-hearted and diligent woman who always went above and beyond to serve others. Mary was known for her nurturing spirit, which extended beyond her family to her beloved vegetable gardens. Wherever she lived, she cultivated vibrant gardens that were not only a source of sustenance but also a testament to her patience, care, and love for nature. Her gardens were a place where she found peace and joy, and she shared the bounty with neighbors and friends. The family will honor Mary's life and legacy with a memorial service on August 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran, located at 4000 Midway Rd, Carrollton, TX 75007. Family and friends are invited to celebrate a life well-lived and to share their memories of Mary. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting the giving nature that Mary embodied throughout her life. Mary T. Stearns will be remembered for her unwavering love, her strength of spirit, and her boundless generosity. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her. May she rest in peace, reunited with those she loved and missed dearly.