Marion Stearns

SPRINGFIELD - Marion Whitcomb Stearns passed away Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, at the Springfield Hospital, after a brief illness. Born on June 10, 1924, in Rochester, NH, the daughter of Harold and Marion (Corbett) Sheahan, she grew up in Somersworth, NH, spending summers at the family cottage on Moody Beach, ME. She loved the ocean. Valedictorian of her high school class, she continued her education at the University of New Hampshire, graduating in 1945, cum laude, with a BA in Music Education.
Marion moved to Springfield, VT, where she obtained a music teaching position with the public schools there in September 1945.
Marion married Merrill "Deak" Whitcomb in 1947, sharing a life with him and their two daughters, Hallie Jean and Cherry, on the scenic Mount Ararat farm, which has been in the family since the late-1700s. Her work ethic and energy were evident as she balanced a life of teaching, raising children and meeting the many demands of farm life. Merrill passed away in 1978 after a long illness through which Marion tended him lovingly.
After many satisfying years teaching mainly vocal music with some instrumental, covering most of the Springfield schools, she retired in 1980.
Robert Stearns, whom Marion had met while at UNH, reconnected with her on a trip east from California flying in his home-built airplane. They were married at a private ceremony on the Whitcomb farm a year later, September 1982.
Marion and Bob lived in Livermore, CA, where Marion soon became a vital part of the community and made many dear friends. She was active in the UU Church, the Livermore-Amador Symphony Orchestra and Guild, the community exercise group, and contributed to many groups through her musical talents of singing, piano and violin. Bob joined her in the church and LAS activities when he retired from Bechtel Corp. Marion and Bob enjoyed flying to many places in his plane for over 20 years, including two trips to New England. Due to the limitations of the lightweight plane, which could not carry two people plus luggage over the Rockies, Marion would fly commercially to Michigan, where daughter Cherry lived, and Bob would pick her up there so the two could continue on to see friends in New England.
Alzheimer's disease caught up with Bob, and he passed in November 2011. With no relatives in California, Marion moved back to Vermont in November 2013 to live with her daughter, Hallie. She happily renewed friendships from her prior years in Springfield and became active in the local UU Church. Marion's greatest joy was putting a smile on the faces of others. She did this often by making creative cards, telling jokes and singing songs to strangers and friends alike, playing piano for others everywhere she could.
Marion learned how to fold origami cranes, pinwheels, boats and hats from her Japanese daughter, Yuko. People will see these treasures all over town as she gave them away to youth and adults alike as thanks or just to brighten their days. This made her smile, as well.
Marion is survived by daughters Hallie Whitcomb, of Springfield, and Cherry (Ken) Westerman, of Ann Arbor, MI; grandchildren Erica Westerman, of Fayetteville, AR, and Michael (Brittany) Westerman, of Bloomfield Hills, MI; step-grandchild Katrina (Stearns) Slater, of Santa Cruz, CA; three special nieces and many cousins.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 21 Fairground Road, Springfield, VT.
Marion has requested that, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to The Unitarian Universalist Church in Springfield, 21 Fairground Road, Springfield, VT 05156; The Vermont Land Trust, 8 Bailey Ave., Montpelier, VT 05602; Springfield School District Music Department, 60 Park St., Springfield, VT 05156; or the Livermore-Amador Symphony, P.O. Box 1049, Livermore, CA 94551-1049.
Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting with arrangements.