CASTINE – Barbara Stearns, 95, of Castine, died peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2013, at her home in Castine. She was born Jan. 22, 1918, in New York City, the daughter of Winthrop and Nella Stearns and graduated from Brooklyn Friends School in 1935.
She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry with honors from Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pa., in 1939 and a Masters Degree in Chemistry from Columbia University in New York City.
She became a research chemist at the Squibb Institute of Medical Research and in the later years was actively involved in multi-national clinical programs. She retired from Squibb after working there for 40 years.
Barbara moved to Castine in 1981 following retirement from Squibb. Barbara was an avid and accomplished artist and participated in the Castine and Deer Isle Art Associations. Within the Castine community she was known for being an active walker around town and enjoyed chatting with people as she walked her dog. More recently she had been house bound, though she enjoyed the long, loving and supportive care she received from the many Castine area caregivers and Hospice.
Barbara’s siblings were Paul A. Stearns (Castine) and Winthrop Stearns Jr., who predeceased her and Whitney K. Stearns. Additionally, she had a large and extended family, many who live in the Castine area including Paul’s wife, Florence, and her children, Paul Jr., Waring, and Randy and their children; Winthrop’s children, Suzanne, Tammy, Holly, and Melissa, and their families and Whitney’s wife, Harriet, and their children, Whitney Jr., Betsy, and Laura, and their families.
There will be a funeral service held 11 a.m. Monday. Dec. 9, at Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine, for family and friends, followed by reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to Hospice of Hancock County, 14 McKenzie Ave., Ellsworth, ME 04605. Arrangements are under the direction of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport.
Barbara Stearns
