Deanna G. Carter, 83, longtime resident of Milford, died on Jan. 15, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Jan. 22, 1940, in Nashua, the daughter of Quirino T. Rocca and Henrietta L. (Napoleon) Rocca. Deanna was raised and educated in her beloved towns of both Milford and Charlestown, having graduated from Charlestown High School, Class of 1958.

As a young wife and mother, while raising her family she worked various positions including as a part-time freelance writer for the local newspapers, a real estate agent, and worked at the Milford District Court. When her children were older, it was her career at Dataproducts in Milford that she enjoyed the most.

Deanna had a magnetic personality and was so full of life and joy. She was the sun at the center of her family’s galaxy, casting happiness and pride to all in her presence. She loved her family fiercely and with her unconditional love, firecracker humor, and optimism, she was a strong pillar of her family.

Above all else, Deanna enjoyed spending quality time with her loved ones, who were her greatest gift in life. Her marriage to Charles of 64 years inspired her family with its love and respect, but most of all their deep friendship. One of the ways she expressed her love was through her baking and by making holidays magical. She loved singing silly songs, telling stories, sharing jokes, and finding every opportunity to show how proud she was of her family. Her interests included reading mystery books, watching detective shows, and keeping herself sharp with crossword puzzles and Jeopardy.

She held a lot of pride for her town of Milford and showed it by being an active member on town committees and serving on boards including the Budget Committee and Zoning Board of Adjustments, advocating for positive changes for the school district and by supporting town politics. She was incredibly proud of her Italian heritage, often volunteering at Ellis Island Day at the elementary school.

Family members include her loving husband, Charles H. Carter, Jr., of Milford; her son and his wife, Anthony and Dianne Carter of Bedford; her son and his wife, Brian and Mary Carter of Milford; her daughter and her husband, Marla and Jeffrey Stohrer of Barrington; her son and his wife, David and Emily Carter of Raleigh, N.C. Her beautiful grandchildren Mallory VanGyzen and her husband Jim, Allyssa Benefield and her husband Casey, Dylan Stohrer and his wife Emma, Bryce Carter, Nicholas Carter, Maria Hendrickson; Greg Stohrer, Annette Carter, Riley Carter, Noah Carter, Ben Carter and her great-grandchildren Tara, Zach and Tucker VanGyzen; Harper, Holly, and Hailey Benefield; and Lyla and Logan Stohrer.

She is also survived by her sisters whom she loved very much, Genevieve (Jenny) Stone of Charlestown; Livia (Lee) Carmichael of Yucaipa, Calif; Bettina (Betty) Mace of Milford; and many nieces and nephews.

She will be remembered by her loved ones for her unparalleled generosity and the purest heart.

There are no visiting hours. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com