Carol A. Stent, known for her vibrant spirit and dedication to family and community, peacefully passed away in her sleep on September 22, 2025, at her residence in Overton, Nevada. She was surrounded by her loving husband, David Y. Nakahara.
Born on July 14, 1939, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Carol was the eldest among seven siblings of John and Jenny (Slajinsky) Prespolis. She graduated in the Class of 1957 from Saint Mary’s of the Annunciation, where she formed lasting friendships and cherished memories with her classmates and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
Driven by a sense of adventure, Carol moved to San Francisco, California, alongside four classmates, where they pursued fulfilling careers and formed new relationships. Her beauty and enthusiasm for life drew attention, and she subsequently relocated to Los Angeles. There, she met Raymond Michael Stent, a medical intern from England, while he was training at Los Angeles County U.S.C. Hospital. Their union was celebrated at the picturesque Wayfarers Chapel.
The couple’s marriage lasted until the 1980s, after which Carol met and married David Nakahara on May 20, 1989, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they created a loving home, raising a total of seventeen rescue pets. Carol’s nurturing nature extended beyond her immediate family; she played a crucial role in caring for David’s elderly parents, offering them support and companionship during their final years.
Despite facing health challenges, including a stroke that left her partially paralyzed, Carol’s resilience shone through. She remained a beacon of light, known for her wit and compassion. Her passion for animals and the natural world reflected her belief in the beauty of all creatures.
Carol is survived by her husband, David, and her sisters, Paula Couture of Dracut, Massachusetts and Naples, Florida; Janet Buchino of Randolph, Massachusetts and Naples, Florida; and Helen Botehlo of Conway, South Carolina. Her legacy of love and support will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
In her own words, “Soli Deo Gloria,” meaning “Only To God the Glory,” encapsulates her life’s philosophy and dedication to her family and community. Carol A. Stent will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.
