Carolyn Stefanich (Cardoza) of Hyde Park passed away peacefully on November 8, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Jack Stefanich; loving mother of Jacqueline Barden and her husband, Michael, of Hyde Park; caring sister of the late Edward Cardoza; and devoted grandmother of Leslie, Emily, Karen, and Jack Barden. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Raised in Los Banos in the San Joaquin Valley, Carolyn was proud to call herself a “dairyman’s daughter” and famously learned to drive a tractor before a car! She cherished her roots and maintained lifelong childhood friendships, continuing regular visits and Zoom calls even after moving to Boston 11 years ago.
Carolyn met her beloved husband, Jack, while attending Fresno State. Together, they raised their daughter in Northern California, sharing a wonderful life filled with camping, fishing, agate hunting, and quality time with family. Always deeply involved in her community, Carolyn served as a room mother, Girl Scout leader, and dedicated school volunteer.
A passionate educator, Carolyn taught in Catholic schools for 24 years. Her favorite times were warm summers spent making memories with her grandchildren. Following Jack’s passing, she lovingly cared for her father before moving to Boston to reside with Jacki, Michael, and her grandchildren.
In Boston, she continued her spirit of service by volunteering alongside Jacki at SJP II CA.
We appreciate the time God gave us with Carolyn. Rest in peace.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Saint John Chrysostom Church, 4750 Washington St., West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Carolyn's memory to support student activities at the Lower Mills campus of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy and can be sent to the Academy's Regional Office, 1 Eliot Street, 3rd FL, Milton, MA 02186 or made online at www.sjp2ca.org/support-us.