Caroline J. Stafford

Caroline Joan Stafford (Weaver) passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the age of 97 at Charter Senior Living of North Park in Sioux City, IA. Her daughters Judy Stafford of Sioux City, IA and Sally Downey of Sebastopol, CA were at her side.

Caroline was born in Brunswick, NE on May 19, 1928, to Loyd and Josephine Weaver. Her father was from Brunswick, and her mother grew up on a farm near Jamestown, ND.

She married Lloyd Stafford on January 22, 1949. They were happily married for over 61 years until his passing on December 14, 2010.

Caroline was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kate Petersen; two sisters - Dorothy Bivens and Mary Lee Welsh. Along with her close friend of almost 80 years, Shirley Tagg who lived next to her in the assisted living facility that was her final home.

Along with her daughters Judy and Sally, she leaves behind two sons - Jim Stafford of Hardwick, MA and John Stafford of Alberton MT. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Caroline grew up on a farm during the Great Depression. Once as a girl, she got on the family’s horse to make the mile journey to the one room schoolhouse during a blizzard to find only the teacher there.

She loved to play cards and was happy to play with anyone. Caroline often played pitch with family members and bridge at the Senior Center.

Her husband was an avid hunter, fisherman, and camper. She spent many vacations on fishing and camping trips and did her share of walking ditches to flush out a rooster on pheasant hunting trips.

Caroline graduated from nursing school shortly after she was married and was a nurse until she retired in 1986. She particularly enjoyed working on the maternity ward of the former St. Joseph Hospital. Caroline had a special love for babies.

She enjoyed golfing, once posting a hole in one at Sun Valley Golf Course.

At the age of 60 she learned to swim and thoroughly enjoyed that activity well into her 80's. For several years after they retired, she and Lloyd were fond of square dancing. The last year or two of her life she entertained the staff members and fellow residents by frequently breaking out in song, singing "Our Father" or "God Bless America. "

Caroline was Catholic and attended St. Boniface Church in Sioux City until she could no longer climb the stairs. The family is most grateful to Fr. Randy Schon of Holy Cross Parish for administering the sacrament of the sick the day before she passed away.

She loved her family and will be greatly missed. Caroline was loved by all who knew her.

Any who wish to make a donation in her memory can make an offering to Hospice of the Midwest, 304 W 28th St, Sioux City, IA 51104.

A Celebration of Life for Caroline will be held at a later date at Charter Senior Living in Sioux City.