Carol Mae Savage

1926 - 2015

Savage, Carol Mae Manchester, MI Age 88, died Saturday, April 4, 2015 at the University of Michigan Hospital. She was born May 15, 1926, the daughter of Arthur & Olga (Zeman) Heyn. Carol was a daughter, sister, niece, aunt, great-aunt, wife, mother, sister-in-law, grandmother, mother-in-law, Sunday school teacher, 1st grade public school teacher, "Grandma Story", choir member, Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den leader, Stephen's minister, and friend. Carol was born in Saginaw, and shortly thereafter moved to Toledo, Ohio with her two sisters and mother to live with her grandparents, Joseph and Florence Zeman. Besides her family, the church was the center of Carol's life, and became a second home. She was nurtured and confirmed in the faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Toledo. Both the pastoral and musical staff guided her closely. Carol has sung in church choirs for over 70 years, starting when she was 12 years old and active at Zion Lutheran Church until her death. When she was in high school and in the chancel choir at St. Paul's in Toledo she was selected to sing the 7th verse of From Heaven Above To Earth Below all alone on the stage at the Paramont Theater. She also sang in the Methodist Church in the foyer before Christmas Eve services as people were entering. In addition, she sang in weddings and recitals. Carol attended the University of Toledo, and received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Siena Heights University. She taught 1st grade in Manchester for 17 years. Her children in school were taught to enjoy singing and the love of reading. In the words of her grandson, "She was the most selfless person I've ever met." In 1953, she married John A. Savage in Toledo, OH, and he survives. Other survivors include a son, John F. (Jeannie) Savage of Irvine, CA; a daughter, Jan (Steve) Hannah of Ann Arbor; a sister, Dr. Ruth Heyn of Ann Arbor; three grandchildren, Madison Savage, Zachary & Luke Hannah; and a nephew, Alan Kahl of WI. She was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Kahl; and two nephews, Michael Moon and Douglas Kahl. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 11, 3:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church, Chelsea, with Pastor Kathy Tulman officiating. Disposition of ashes will take place at a later date. The family will receive friends Friday 2-4 & 6-8 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, and Saturday from 1-3 pm at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, UMRC Foundation, or Lutheran Social Services of Michigan.