Carolyn Stearns

It is with great sadness that the family of Carolyn Stearns announces her passing on Friday November 10, 2018. Carolyn will be lovingly remembered by her children and step-children, Rebecca (Lew), Jennifer (David), Corinna (David), Andrew (Joyce), Brian (Julie), and Larry (Svetlana); by her brother, Brent and sister, Elinor; by her 13 grandchildren; and by her numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. Carolyn grew up in Cranford, New Jersey and attended Miami University of Ohio and later earned a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from Smith College. As Carolyn Stearns and later Carolyn Coles, Carolyn studied and performed with modern dance legends Martha Graham, Hanya Holm, Karamu Dancers of Cleveland, and the Jose Limon Dance Company of Philadelphia. In 1996, Carolyn transitioned from her career in the dance world to focus completely on writing and artwork. Carolyn authored numerous published books and essays for a variety of audiences young and old, and developed a unique and distinctive art style with which she created an impressive body of award winning artwork. Following her first marriage, Carolyn wed her beloved husband Christopher May in 1997. Chris and Carolyn spent their winters in Washington, D.C. and later Deale, Maryland, before retiring to Silver Spring, Maryland. Summers, however, their most cherished times, which they spent at Chris' family home in Union, Main, and Carolyn's family home at Lake Weslemkoon, Ontario. Carolyn will be remembered for her infectious joy, creativity and irrepressible love of life. A celebration of life was held for Carolyn in Silver Spring on November 15, 2018.