Obituary of Carolyn Josephine Martin

Carolyn J. Martin, our selfless and loving mother and grandmother, peacefully passed away Sunday, August 13, 2017, at Altercare of Big Rapids. Cremation will take place with a private burial to follow.

Carolyn was born July 4, 1937 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Frederick G. and Helen M. (Neil) Spies. After she graduated high school, she began working in the banking industry and was employed by numerous banks in the different areas she lived. She most recently worked for Mercantile Bank of Lakeview up until her retirement in 2015 at the age of 78. She truly enjoyed her job and the people she met and came to know so well. She was always the go-to woman when you were looking for a certain coin to collect. Carolyn kept an on-going list of customers and the coins they were looking for and had quite the following of people.

 Living in Canadian Lakes, she received many furry visitors in her yard each day, and would never let them leave hungry. All the neighborhood deer, birds, cats, and so on, knew exactly where to go if they needed a snack.

She was a wonderful cook, and it was a given each year that her Thanksgiving meal would be spectacular! Deviled eggs, cherry tarts and her homemade dressing were just a few of everyone’s favorites. Aside from cooking, Carolyn enjoyed knitting, and made numerous blankets and Barbie clothes for her granddaughter.

Although she had many hobbies and interests to keep her busy, Carolyn’s family always came first. She was the most giving and caring mother and grandmother anyone could ever hope for. Her children will be forever grateful for all the sacrifices she made for them and their families throughout her life.

Carolyn’s nurturing ways will be greatly missed by her children, James E. (Nancy) Martin II, Michael E. (Jan) Martin, and Bonnie G. Norton; grandchildren, James E. Martin III, David M. Martin, and Tesia C. (Dan) Rhoad, and her beloved dog, Reggie.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Frederick G. Spies; brother, Harold Spies, and sisters, Helen Jackson, and Joyce Lemke.