Aileen Marie Stearns

Aileen Marie (Costa) Stearns, age 88, of Windham, NH, formerly of Cumberland, RI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at her home on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

She was the wife of Willard Bruce Stearns, to whom she was married for 61 years. Born in Providence, RI on September 8, 1938, Aileen was the daughter of the late Dr. Thomas Costa and Gertrude (McCarron) Costa. She was a graduate of St. Xavier’s Academy, Providence, RI and Salve Regina University, class of 1960.

Aileen taught elementary school in Warwick, RI for 4 years and then in 1964, she taught school in Fairfield, California at which time she met her husband to be. They were married on September 18, 1965 on Cape Cod in West Harwich, MA. After living in Detroit, Michigan for a couple of years, they returned to New England and lived in Cumberland, RI for 45 years.

She was a full time mother of three for 25 years before she returned to teaching again for 12 years in Cumberland.

Her children, Susan and her husband Timothy of Hingham, MA, Michael and his wife Kristine of Easton, MA and Kathleen and her husband Dean Serpico of Windham, NH are her proudest accomplishments. She was a loving Grammy to grandchildren Matthew and Molly Bombard, Dylan and Amanda Serpico, and Sophia Stearns. She is the dear sister of Mary Lou Davis of Warwick, RI.

After spending more than 50 years on Cape Cod in the summer and their home in RI, they moved to Windham, NH. Aileen always said that moving to Windham in 2012 was the best choice they had made.

Being close to their daughter, Kathy & family, and joining the Women’s Service Club of Windham, was such a wonderful time of her life. She had made many wonderful friendships, belonged to a bridge club, book club, brunch group, and was always gathering with friends for lunch and dinner.

She was full of fun and laughter and will be missed by many.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 8th, from 9am to 10:30am, at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11am, at St. Matthew's Church, 2 Searles Road, Windham, NH. Burial will be private at St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Greenwich, Rhode Island.

The Aileen Stearns Memorial Scholarship was established to honor Aileen’s life and legacy as a dedicated teacher. This annual award supports a graduating high school senior, empowering the next generation of educators to carry forward her passion for teaching and learning. 

For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com.