Carole Stetson's Obituary
Carole Stetson (Hatfield), 84, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2024, in Gainesville, FL.
She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on December 5, 1939. She moved to Clearwater Beach, FL. in 1949 and for a time lived on a houseboat in St Petersburg Harbor. Carole graduated from St. Petersburg Highschool, where she met her husband, John Stetson. They started a family together and first moved to Memphis, TN. then to Gainesville in 1965 where she resided for sixty years. She also enjoyed spending many summers at their house in Liberty, Maine.
Carole had a lifelong curiosity for learning and completed her degree at the University of Florida with a BA in History in 1990 and also worked towards a graduate degree in African studies. An avid reader, her love of books inspired many great discussions with family and friends. She was a gifted quilter with an artistic eye that combined surprising colors and shapes to make not only quilts but works of art. Her love of travel led her all over the world. She lived for a year in Jakarta, Indonesia before being forced to leave because of a revolution. She loved visiting Australia, New Zealand, and Bali. She went on Safari in Africa, traveled through Europe, and ventured to Iceland and Alaska.
Carole possessed a quiet sense of humor and never took herself too seriously. Her eyes would often sparkle with mischief, and she loved breaking rules especially when they didn’t make sense. She cherished her family and especially her grandkids and spent as much time as possible with them. Most of all, Carole was a kind, open hearted person who was always quick to help a friend in need. She had a special ability to be everyone’s mother or best friend exactly when it was needed the most.
She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Barrios (Carlos). and son, Charlie Stetson (Jenny). Grandkids Brandon Barrios, Carli Barrios {Britta), Morgan Barrios, and Rebecca Stetson (Amelia). She is preceded in her death by her husband, John Stetson, and son, Mark Stetson. A private service will be held to honor Carole’s life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Haven Hospice Foundation Gainesville Office at 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL. 32606. Go to: beyourhaven.org then click on “How you can help” to the Honor and Memorial gifts page. Include Carole Stetson’s name. This is an organization close to her heart that supported her in her final days.
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