Carol L. Chase

Enough cannot be said of the wonderful woman Carol Chase was and continues to be in the hearts of all who knew her. Foremost a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, she was equally as kind towards those who were fortunate to call her cousin, neighbor and friend. Fun-loving and outgoing, Carol was a happy woman. She looked for the good in people with a welcoming nature, and gracious spirit. For these things and so much more, Carol will be deeply missed.

Carol's story began during a time of great change in the U.S. The onset of World War II defined the entire decade of the 1940s just as many were recovering from the lasting effects of the Great Depression. Jazz was all the rage and movie theaters boomed, yet even the most simple things were greatly appreciated. In the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Carl Allen and Lena (DeGrandi) Fulkerson had much to be thankful for on December 4, 1940 when they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Carol Louise into their arms.

The third of three children, Carol joined her older siblings, Jerry and Judy. Her father worked as a truck driver while her mother looked after their household and worked as an advertising manager. Having been raised on the southwest side of Grand Rapids, it was clear to see from a young age Carol had an outgoing and social personality. She enjoyed a childhood typical of the times shared with numerous friends and while attending Hall Street Elementary School. Well into her later years, Carol kept in contact with her group, "The Beach Bunnies" which met yearly for get-togethers. Carol loved to sing and dance. In school she participated in singing groups and loved attending dances on the weekends. With her schooling behind her, Carol went on to graduate from South High School with the Class of 1958 filled with dreams and all the hope her future could hold.

Carol worked for a time at Michigan National Bank and at Lear Siegler in Grand Rapids. But while attending a party, her eyes met those of a handsome former Marine, Allen Chase, who was attending Grand Rapids Junior College. Right from the start, Carol and Al were destined for forever. They began dating and after a six month courtship, they happily announced their engagement. On October 28, 1961, the young couple shared vows of marriage at Carol’s home parish, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. They celebrated with a festive reception at St. Georges Hall before heading to Chicago, Illinois where they spent a memorable honeymoon.

For the first three years, Al and Carol rented an apartment on Valley Street NW. After living with Al’s mother for the next two years, they were ready to purchase a home of their own on Pohens Street. A move to Elderwood Court found them lovingly raising their family, and where they created meaningful and lasting memories. Carol and Al were overjoyed with the births of their three children, David, Mark, and Gail. Carol made a good home for Al and the kids and kept very active with her children's school activities. She regularly kept in touch with her, “Kenowa Moms” group where all their kids attended Kenowa Hills High School.

Special, memorable times were spent during the warm months of summer at their trailer on Wolf Lake. For Easter they usually visited Al’s family in Farmington Hills. Other holidays were also enjoyed in the company of extended family. A most cherished family vacation took place in Florida visiting Disney World, but Carol always treasured the trip she and Al took to Hawaii for their 25th wedding anniversary. One of a kind, Carol and Al shared a deep, abiding love.

Always gracious and generous, Carol loved to entertain. She and Al often hosted get togethers at their home where all were welcome. She was a wonderful cook, and baked the best, chewy oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies. She was known for baking Ausukai, a delicious Lithuanian Christmas and Easter cookie along with her scrumptious breaded steak. Quite the social butterfly, Carol was always prepared for an extra guest or two at her table, often cooking enough to feed an army!

Carol spent much time with her many cousins with whom she was close. In her free time she loved reading mysteries and novels authored by Nora Roberts. She especially loved relishing in Al's beautiful flower garden.

When Al suffered a stroke at the age of 48, Carol lovingly and tenderly cared for him. Although he recovered, additional strokes followed. Carol did her best to care for him at home, but as hard as it was, in 2004 Al began living in a nursing facility. For the next six years, Carol was at Al's side nearly every day until her beloved sadly passed away in March of 2010.

Life was never the same for Carol following Al’s death. She missed him terribly, and poured her love into the hearts of her grandchildren. She loved them dearly, and they gave her so much love in return. Carol continued to get together with friends, and once a friend, always a friend. Everyone loved Carol for her joyous spirit and uplifting demeanor. She had a way all her own of "mothering" everyone she knew, and never ceased in being there for a friend. Always accepting and never judgmental, she added much to the lives of others.

When Carol acquired her new smart phone, she was elated to discover the music application, Pandora which she listened to regularly. She loved visiting the casinos, and did so often, especially in the summer as it was only a 30 minute drive from her trailer on Wolf Lake.

Although Carol had a bone spur in her neck, she didn't let it slow her down. She recently began suffering heart issues, but nothing was clearly diagnosed. While visiting the Little River Casino this past weekend, Carol again began experiencing difficult symptoms and was taken to Manistee Hospital. After discovering she had a torn artery, she was swiftly transferred to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. It was soon apparent nothing more could be done, and with her family by her side, Carol peacefully died on Sunday, August 17, 2014.

A most cloudy and dreary day, at the very moment of Carol's death, a small window of the brightest sunshine opened in the clouds, filtering her room. Witnessed by family and hospital staff alike, they were each amazed. Like the ray of sunshine she was in life, so too did Carol offer a bit of sunshine to leave behind. A remarkable woman never to be forgotten, the heart of Carol Chase lives on in those who knew and loved her.

Carol L. Chase, aged 73 of Grand Rapids, passed away suddenly on Sunday August 17, 2014, at Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Lena Fulkerson, her husband, Allen Chase, and her sister Judy Fry. She is survived by her children, Gail and Don Levens, Mark and Kim Chase, David and Adrienne Chase; her grandchildren, Kendall, Andrew and Garrett Levens, Carson and Zachary Chase; her brother, Gerald (MaryLou) Fulkerson; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sharon (Michael) Koskus; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Carol was a loving and dedicated, wife, mother, grandma and a friend to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Carol worked at American Preferred Management. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday morning at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 2510 Richmond St. NW. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives may meet her family at the funeral home on Thursday from 6:00–9:00 PM and again at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until Mass begins. Contributions in her memory may be made to West Michigan Miracle League or Mary Free Bed Hospital. To read more about Carol’s life, to sign her guest book and to leave your own memories of her, visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com.