Carolyn Joan Fretz, 85, passed away at her home, Kindy Care Center, on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018. Carolyn was the youngest daughter born to Bruce C. and Berdena (Sutton) Fretz on Nov. 17, 1932 in Jackson.
She is survived by her nieces, Leslei (Michael) Hutchison and Cheryl (Tom) Carroll, both of Midland; and nephews, Jeff (Faye) Brown of Midland, Randy (Gloria) Brown of Munising and Ed (Elaine) Brown of Anchorage, Alaska. In addition, she is survived by many beloved great-nieces and -nephews, Stacey (Michael) Lynch, Alyssa (Tim Mullins) Andrews, Amanda (Louie) Bauer, Emily (Andy) Brown, Stephanie (Mike Hobbs) Brown, Abigail Brown and Chad Hutchison. Carolyn was a great-great-aunt to Alivia and Aaron Lynch, Aiden and Teegan Mullins, Reagan, Laylah and Liam Bauer.
The family moved to Midland when her father transferred with the U.S. Post Office. Carolyn graduated from CMU with her bachelor's in physical education. She was employed by Midland Public Schools at Northeast Elementary. She enjoyed camping, often taking nieces and nephews, hiking, mushroom hunting and summers at the cabin in the U.P.
She took flying lessons (although nerves got the better of her and she never completed her solo flight) and learned to fly fish. After retirement in 1986, she was a caregiver to her mother and started an in home pet care business. Carolyn had a well-rounded, busy life with friends and family. She was compassionate and caring. Our family is better for having had her in our lives.
Carolyn was prceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Berdena Fretz; her sister, Margaret (Maggie) Brown; her nephew, Kevin Brown; and life partner, Gwendolyn Bagley.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018 from 12–2 p.m., with funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. at Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home. The Rev. Michael Lynch will officiate. Arrangements have been made for Carolyn to be laid to rest next to her mother in Midland Cemetery on Orchard Drive. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Humane Society of Midland County.
Published in Midland Daily News on Oct. 18, 2018.