A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 29 in St. Clement Church, Matawan, for Good Shepherd Sister Carol Ann Beairsto, who died April 20 in De La Salle Hall, Lincroft. She was 80.

Born in Middletown, N.Y., and the 12th and youngest child of Mary Neville and Joseph Ambrose Beairsto, Sister Carol entered the Good Shepherd Sisters in Peekskill, N.Y., Feb. 27, 1955, and was given the name Sister Mary of St. Robert. Upon her entrance to the community, she began studies in Fordham University in New York, earning a bachelor of science degree in education.  She also studied Spanish.

Sister Carol made temporary vows Aug. 28, 1957, and final profession Sept. 3, 1960. She continued her studies in Seton Hall University, South Orange, part time while ministering at Collier Youth Services, Wickatunk, originally as a Spanish teacher, then as the school principal and finally as executive director. She received a master’s degree in education administration from Seton Hall University in 1964, then went on to receive a certificate of advanced educational studies in special education at Boston College in 1973. In 1994, she received a master’s degree in applied theology from the School of Applied Theology at the University of California, Berkeley.

Following her role as Collier’s executive director, she served as assistant provincial for six years in Jamaica, Queens, and then went to teach English to good Shepherd Sisters in Spain and Central and South America. She also initiated many new programs including working with Mercy Sister Carol Henry in the establishment of the Sisters Academy in Asbury Park and Brooklyn Jesuit Prep in New York.

Sister Carol is survived by two brothers, a sister and their families, 54 nieces and nephews as well as grandnieces and grandnephews and members of her religious community.

Burial was in the Sisters of the Good Shepherd Rest Hill Cemetery, Morganville.

Memorial donations may be made to Collier Youth Services, 160 Conover Road, Wickatunk, N.J., 07765