WEST SPRINGFIELD – Mark A. Stearns, 52, of West Springfield was Called Safely Home on Friday, December 21, 2012. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Holyoke on November 4, 1960, a beloved son of the late David Watson and Viola J. (Sherrow) Stearns. He was raised and schooled in Holyoke and lived in the city for many years before moving to West Springfield in 2001. Mark was previously employed at Building 451 in Holyoke, Zero Manufacturing Company in Monson and G & H Landscaping in Holyoke. He was last employed as a bus driver for Hulmes Transportation Company in Belchertown. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his loving brothers, John D. Stearns and K. Michael Stearns. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Laurie A. (Gdula) Stearns. They were married on May 18, 1996 at Stanley Park in Westfield and were blessed with over 16 years of happiness together. He also leaves his loving sisters and brothers, Linda M. Martino and her husband, Michael of West Springfield, Robert D. Stearns and his wife, Denise of Chicopee, Becky Fowler and her husband, Donnie of Springfield and Tanya Coleman of Washington; his loving mother-in-law, Claire Gdula of Holyoke; his three dear sisters-in-law; his four dear brothers-in-law; and his many dear nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts and cousins. Mark will also be sadly missed by his feline friends, Buffy and Midnight who were his constant companions. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in Sainte Rose de Lima Church, 600 Grattan Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to the American Lung Association, 393 Maple Street, Springfield, MA 01105. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com