Greenville, Maine - Carol Kealiher Stirling, passed peacefully in her sleep 4th of July weekend, on July 5, 2026, at her apartment in Greenville, Maine. She was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, August 17, 1947, to parents Clifton Kealiher and Connie Chadwick.

At 3 years old she moved to Maine when her parents took over West Branch Pond Camps from her grandparents. She spent the summers of her childhood at the camps and winters in town attending Greenville public schools, graduating class of 1965. She went on to graduate University of Maine, Orono with a BA in French. She married Andrew Stirling in 1969 and moved to Newcomb, NY, where she had sons, Jack and Nathan. In 1974 she returned to Maine with her small family to become the next generation owner of the Camps. Her third son, Eric, arrived in 1975. She spent the remainder of her working life at the camps before retiring to Greenville in 2004.

Carol loved the Maine woods, baking, entertaining guests of the camps, animals, and the changing seasons. Her laughter and quick wit was legendary to all who knew her. Her apple pie and anadama bread were local favorites and even earned recognition in several food and travel publications. She loved horses and dogs, especially black labs. On one occasion in 1964 she rode her horse, Bucky all the way from Greenville to the camps. She was also known for selling eggs around town from horseback. Carol was an original stock owner in Squaw Mountain ski area and worked with her father running the concession stand. She considered the north woods her home and worked tirelessly to protect it for future generations. Throughout the course of her lifetime she saw many advances in technology but always remained skeptical of time saving devices. When it came to cooking she always did it from scratch. Carol even rejected the ease of automatic washers and driers, insisting on a wringer washer and clothesline throughout her tenure at West Branch. After retirement she loved spending time with her grandchildren and reminiscing about old times with friends over a glass of wine.

Carol is survived by her sons, Nathan (Teresa) and Eric (Mildred); grandchildren, Avis and Oscar; and sister, Rosemary James (Chuck).

A remembrance gathering and celebration of Carol's life will be held at Bartley Family Event Center in Greenville, August 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Moosehead Historical Society. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at laryfuneralhome.com.