Carol A. Stent, a cherished wife and advocate for animal welfare, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 22, 2025, at her home in Overton, Nevada. She was by the side of her husband, David Y. Nakahara, at the time of her passing. Carol’s life was marked by a deep love for family, friends, and all living creatures.
A Life Rooted in Cambridge and Adventure
Born on July 14, 1939, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to parents John and Jenny (Slajinsky) Prespolis, Carol was the eldest of seven siblings, comprising three brothers and three sisters. She graduated in the Class of 1957 from Saint Mary’s of the Annunciation, where she formed lifelong friendships with her classmates and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who educated her. Following her graduation, the call of adventure led Carol and four classmates to San Francisco, California, where they began their careers and started families.
In Los Angeles, Carol’s striking beauty and zest for life caught the attention of Raymond Michael Stent, a young medical intern from England. Their romance blossomed during his residency at U.C.L.A., culminating in their marriage at the Wayfarers Chapel. After their divorce in the 1980s, Carol found love again with David Nakahara, an attorney in Torrance, California. They married on May 20, 1989, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A Legacy of Love and Compassion
In 1998, Carol and David relocated to Las Vegas, where they shared their home with seventeen beloved pets, underscoring Carol’s passion for animals. Throughout her life, she demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, particularly when she provided care and support for David’s elderly parents while recovering from a stroke that left her partially paralyzed. Her enduring spirit and humor brought joy to those around her.
Carol is survived by her devoted husband, David, along with 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. Carol A. Stent’s life was a testament to love, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to those she cared for.
Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched, reflecting her belief in the beauty of life and the importance of caring for all creatures. As she once said, “Soli Deo Gloria” – Only To God the Glory.
