Mabel M. Stearns

Mabel Hussey Stearns, 91, a beloved matriarch of her family, died in the comfort of her home, with her loving and devoted family by her side, on October 23, 2022.

She was born on June 17, 1931 in Alfred, one of nineteen children born to Rosco and Gladys (Adams) Hussey. As a young girl she attended school until eighth grade and then went to work outside the home along with helping her mother care for her younger siblings. She learned early on the value of challenging work and became quite the cook and baker.

Mabel married her sweetheart and husband Peter L. Stearns and began their family together. They made their home at the Stearns homestead and were blessed with six children. With Peter’s premature death at the age of fifty-six, Mable became a single Mum with children in their teen years. She never complained and was generous to a fault.

The kids remember coming home from school each day and they were greeted with a plate full of cookies and homemade bread. Her hands were constantly busy – between making baked beans, red hotdogs, and corn bread every Saturday night, she would make apple pies and chunky apple sauce. Mabel had the patience of a saint! Dinner was at 5 p.m. each night – no complaining was allowed.

Mabel never got her driver’s license, but it did not stop her from going for car rides to the beach and stopping on the way home for an ice cream at Shaw’s Ridge – maple walnut was her flavor. She loved saltwater taffy and Hershey bars. The big pot on her stove could feed an army and she would set an extra plate for those that needed a hot meal.

Mable loved the holidays, decorating the house with lights and presents. She kept photos of the kids, their report cards, and any treasures they made for her. She never had a dryer and hung the clothes out year-round. The music she listened to was classic country & western, with George Jones and Conway Twitty being her favorite singers. Their songs were a refection of her life, hopes and dreams. She was proud to be a lifelong resident of Alfred.

Mabel was devoted to her children and Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Our memories of Mum will include her generous nature, fun sense of humor, being humble and loving us unconditionally. We will miss her, but we know she has been reunited with our dad, her siblings, and others she longed to see. We love you Ma. . .

She is survived by her six children: Edna M. Eastman and husband Brian, Morgan L. Stearns, Daniel J. Stearns and wife Tina, Helen L. Gilman and husband Thomas, Mary E. Wallace, and Frank (Trey) deceased, and Jane L. Stearns and husband Ethan, eight grandchildren: Roxanne, Frank, Ethan, Robin, Tomi-Lynn, Thomas, Peter, and Paul, and three great-grandchildren. Also, her siblings: Phyllis Courtois, Roberta Kerrigan, Bob, Tom, Sam, and Nelson Hussey, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mabel was predeceased by her husband Peter and siblings: Caroline and Mary Hussey, Lucille Main, Pauline Burgess, Laura Ghidoni, and Cora Carlson, Carroll, Sumner, Arthur, Pete, Elwyn and Wilbur Hussey.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, Oct. 29th from 1 – 4 p.m. at Autumn Green, 47 Oak St., in Alfred.

Online tributes and memories may be shared at Mabel’s Book of Memories at www.bibbersautumngreen.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. of Maine, 383 US Route One, Suite 2 C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green, 47 Oak St., Alfred.