Christine V. (Ayres) Restell

STERLING – Christine V. (Ayres) Restell, age 73, passed away at home on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Born in Ealing, England, she was the daughter of the late Derek R. and Joan E. (Bass) Ayres.

Christine grew up in Purley, England, and earned her NNEB from Croydon College. In 1974, she married her lifelong companion, Alan Restell, whom she first met at age 12. After spending the first decade of their marriage in England, they moved to the United States, settling initially in Hudson, Massachusetts, before making their home in Sterling. Over the years, she made countless trips to Mount Desert Island, Maine, a destination she cherished.

Christine devoted more than 25 years to the Hudson Public School System, working in its inclusive preschool, where she made a difference in the lives of many children and families. She had a love of birdwatching and photography and was a passionate member of the Eastern Hawk Watch. Christine found great happiness in the beauty of nature. Her deep compassion was reflected in the ways she cared for all creatures, whether she was rescuing cats, keeping fresh sugar water for the hummingbirds, or carefully escorting insects back outside. Her gentle spirit was at the heart of who she was.

She is survived by her loving husband, Alan R. Restell; 2 daughters, Alyson McCarthy of Templeton, Amanda Restell Mand and her husband, Bob, of Lancaster; a sister, Margaret Chapman of Didcot, England; and 2 grandchildren, Cormac and Emma, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Christine’s family from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 28th, at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. A memorial service honoring her life will follow at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Christine’s memory may be made to:

Avian Haven www.avianhaven.org

Mass Audubon www.massaudubon.org

MSPCA-Angell www.mspca.org

To share a message or offer condolences, please visit her guestbook.