Mrs. Carolyn M. Foster

May 27, 1938 - April 25, 2020

Carolyn passed away at home on Saturday, April 25, 2020, after a courageous fight with heart problems. She was a devoted wife of 58 years to husband, Paul and a mother to Stewart (Pia) of Waterloo, Belgium and Mary (Dan) Schwietering of Cincinnati, OH. She was the dear sister of Betty (and the late Douglas) Noverr, and Shirley (John) VanDam and sister-in-law Patricia (and the late Roger) Parsons and grandmother to Nick, Anna, Ellen, Max, Carl, Frederik & Célina. Carolyn was born in Atwood, MI on the Flat Road. Her parents later moved to Barnard, where she grew up on a farm near Charlevoix, MI. It was there in the third grade where she met her future husband, Paul. They started dating during their college days at Central Michigan University. After marrying at the Barnard Church in Charlevoix, they went to live in Conway, AR, where Paul received his Master’s degree. Soon after, they returned to Michigan and settled in Alden. On Torch Lake they built a home base and countless lifelong friendships. Moves took them to Poulsbo, WA, and San Antonio, TX, and later winters in Gulf Shores, AL, but Torch Lake would always be home. She taught elementary school in Mancelona, MI, Kingston, WA, and kindergarten in San Antonio and preschool in Bellaire. She loved connecting with all ages, but was always drawn to the children in the room and their interests and successes. Her children and grandchildren brought her genuine joy, hearing of their life experiences. She will be remembered for her faith, family, kindness, interest in others, willingness to volunteer, and considerate nature. She loved her garden and learning new things. She enjoyed creating original themes each year for the High Tea Breast Cancer Prevention and planning family reunions and activities for summer visits with her grandchildren. As a retired teacher, she maintained contact with former students and hearing of their successes. She had a playful sense of humor and found a silver lining in all things. Carolyn was exceptional in every way and will be terribly missed by so many. A private burial will be held in Kalkaska, MI and a service will be held at a later date. Arrangements provided by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home. Our Family Serving Yours.