Obituary of Carolyn A. Stalters

Carolyn A Stalters, widow of the late Thomas J Stalters, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024 after a brief illness.  She was a loving and steadfast supporter of her children; Brian (Gretchen) of Norton, MA, Catherine Pennello (Scott) of St. James, NY, and Eric (Diana) of Edison, NJ. Carolyn loved to laugh along with her dear sisters, Teresa Phimister, and the late Patricia McGovern and Maryann Villien.  She was a proud grandmother of Cameron, Julian, Corey, Brandon, Michael, Marla, and Maria, always ready to listen to their stories and encourage their individual pursuits.

Carolyn was born and raised in Astoria, NY, not far from the Steinway piano factory, which she talked of often.  She attended St. Michael’s High School, where she played basketball, was a member of the choir and orchestra, and was senior class president. After graduation she attended St. Joseph’s College for Women, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Study and Sociology.  As a young woman she worked at Angel Guardian Home, a foster agency in Brooklyn NY, while taking classes at Fordham University.  In 1961, Carolyn married the love of her life, Thomas, with whom she shared a love of learning and travel. 

Carolyn and Tom moved to Williston Park, where they raised their three children, Brian, Catherine, and Eric. Carolyn devoted herself to creating a loving and caring home for her family, but also made sure that her children had opportunities to explore and learn about other places. There were frequent excursions to NYC, visits to museums and libraries, and every summer a two week camping trip. Carolyn was never one to shy away from an adventure, and even when there were mishaps she remained patient and calm, never ceasing to find the humor in any situation.  She was consistently optimistic, never giving in to despair, even when life presented her with enormously difficult challenges. Carolyn demonstrated resilience when things were tough and readily celebrated with smiles and laughter when life was good. 

When her children became more independent Carolyn began working at the Nassau County Clerk’s Office. She eventually became supervisor of her department, and retired after over 20 years of service.  Carolyn enjoyed her work, but more importantly, she developed wonderful friendships with her co-workers that lasted well after her retirement.

Carolyn was thrilled when she first became a grandmother in 1996, and enthusiastically welcomed every new grandchild that followed.  Like her own mother, Anna Courtney, Carolyn had the ability to make every grandchild feel special.  She never tired of listening to them, showed a keen interest in their activities, and was always ready to offer encouragement.   

Carolyn was incredibly proud of all of them, never hesitating to tell a friend or neighbor about their most recent accomplishments.

Carolyn’s love of music was evident throughout her life.  There was rarely a time in her home when music wasn’t being played with her singing along.  While Frank Sinatra was her all time favorite, Carolyn also loved classical music, opera, ragtime, showtunes and church hymns. When her children brought contemporary pop music into the house, she loved that as well. Carolyn was a member of the St. Aidan’s adult choir for over 30 years, singing at Sunday mass, holiday concerts, and even once performing with them at Carnegie Hall. 

Even in her later years, Carolyn never stopped learning and doing.  She took college courses through the senior observers program at Nassau Community College, was an avid reader and member of several book clubs, was president of the Friends of the Library, and regularly attended a seniors program. Carolyn loved all kinds of word games, especially crossword puzzles and scrabble. She remained physically active, taking daily walks and swimming during the summer months.  Carolyn will be terribly missed by her family, friends, and neighbors.  

Visitation will be held Friday, December 13th from 4 to 8 pm 

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 11:00 am at Saint Aidan’s Roman Catholic Church.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Saint Aidan’s food pantry.