Lois Eastman Carsten, age 81, died in Arcadia, Florida on September 5, 2024.

Born on July 20, 1943, in Cherryfield, Maine, Lois was the daughter of the late Joseph and Florence Eastman. Raised in Wiscasset, ME with her two brothers, Edward and James, Lois later moved to upstate New York with her family. Despite leaving Maine in her twenties, her love for New England and seafood never waned.

In Mt. Upton, NY, at the First Baptist Church, Lois met Robert "Teddy" Carsten, the love of her life. They married in 1967 and moved "up the hill" to Guilford, where they lived at Deer Valley Farm and raised five children. Lois worked with Teddy on the farm, managing their retail health food stores for many years. Her devotion to her family was unwavering; she was always involved in her children's lives, never missing a basketball or volleyball game, whether home or away.

A talented musician, Lois played the accordion, flute, and piano, with a particular gift for the piano. She used her musical talents to serve the Lord, playing as the church pianist in every church she attended, starting in her teen years and continuing 65 years to Oak Hill Baptist, Arcadia.

From 2012 to 2019, Lois served as a Crossing Guard in Arcadia, where she was always ready with a smile and a wave.

Lois loved to travel and enjoyed meeting new people. Her children fondly remember her making new friends wherever she went. She was deeply caring, taking on the role of caretaker for both her parents and later for her husband. Despite limited means, she found ways to save and provide Christmas gifts for families in need.

Lois loved being a "Nana."  She cherished her time with her grandchildren.

Lois is pre-deceased by her parents Joeseph and Florence Eastman; her husband, Robert Carsten; her son, Paul (Karyn) Corsentino; and Sister-in-Law, Patricia Eastman.

Lois is survived by her brothers, Edward Eastman of Auburn Hills, MI, and James (Johnnie Rae) Eastman of Troup, TX; her children: Beth Carsten of Arcadia, FL; Christine (Jeff) Buchold of Cincinnati, OH; Allen Carsten of Arcadia, FL; and Laura Carsten of Manhattan, NY. Grandchildren: Breanna Buchold, Sophia Buchold, Jonathan Pinkney, and Zaria Berry; Sister-in-Law Joan Carsten Smith, as well as many nieces and nephews in New York, Colorado, Michigan, Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, and Florida.  Lois has many faithful friends from times spent in upstate New York, Gladewater, Texas, and Arcadia, Florida.  She will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at Oak Hill Baptist Church, 5104 NW Oak Hill Ave, Arcadia, Florida, on Saturday, September 28, 2024.  Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. with the Memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.