Carole O’Shea Base, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and selfless service, passed away peacefully in the arms of her beloved friend on October 27, 2026.
Born on the 4th of July 1942, in New York City, Carole was a true firecracker. As the cherished daughter of Marjorie and Christopher O’Shea, she was raised in Chatham, New Jersey, where she graduated from Chatham High School before attending Centenary College for Women.
Carole spent over two decades as the office manager for her husband, Dr. William A. Sturman’s ophthalmology practice in East Orange and Livingston, NJ. They later retired to Seven Lakes West. In her second career, Carole found joy welcoming members at the Pinehurst Members Club until her retirement in 2001.
Carole was blessed to find love again with the late Ronald Base. Whether cruising through the Caribbean, adventuring across the USA and Europe, or enjoying a game of bridge, they treasured every shared moment. Their passion for giving back led them to volunteer side-by-side for organizations such as Toys for Tots, vacation Bible schools, Kids Golf USA, the Sandhills Woman’s Exchange, and the U.S. Open championships.
While in New Jersey, Carole served in many leadership roles, including Editor of her college yearbook, President of the St. Philomena Parents Guild, Seton Hall Prep Mothers’ Auxiliary, and the Rock Spring Club Women’s Association. After the passing of Dr. Sturman, she continued her life of service in the emergency room at Moore Regional Hospital. One of her proudest accomplishments was her time as President of the Sandhills Woman’s Exchange, where she played a key role in establishing the Village of Pinehurst Welcome Center in the historic log cabin.
Carole loved tennis, gardening, decorating, birdwatching, and—her forever favorite—playing bridge. Above all else, her greatest joy was found in time spent with family and dear friends, as well as her multiple volunteer roles at Community Presbyterian Church, including five years as Secretary of the CPC session.
Carole was preceded in death by her husbands, Jimmy Farrell, Dr. William A. Sturman, and Ronald Base, and her son, David Farrell.
She leaves behind a loving family: her sons James Farrell (Patricia) of Charlotte, NC, Michael Farrell (Cristina) of Pompano Beach, FL, and Peter Sturman of Brooklyn, NY; eleven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Through her marriage to Ron, Carole was also blessed with a second family: the late Michael Base (Mary), Cynthia Carrigan (Sean) of Greenville, SC, Steven Base (Gina) of Raleigh, NC, and Donna Massengill (Dennis) of Smith Mountain Lake, VA, along with seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Carole also shared a deep bond with her brother Donald O’Shea, his late wife Margaretta, and their four children.
With the greatest respect, love, admiration, and appreciation, the family extends their heartfelt thanks to Carole’s dearest friend, Vinh Luu of Pinehurst, for his loving care over the past six years.
In accordance with Carole’s wishes, no formal service will be held. Instead, she would ask that everyone simply “remember the right thing to do” to honor her memory.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Carole are invited to make a donation to Moore Women A Giving Circle, a cause close to her heart that serves the needs of women and children in Moore County, NC. Please address donations in care of: North Carolina Community Foundation 3737 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612.
Services entrusted to Powell Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at: PinesFunerals.com.
