Carol Jean Anderson

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Carol Jean Anderson, 82, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at her cottage on Chaney Lake, also known as her "happy place." Sept. 23, is a meaningful day for her to leave us, as she was reunited in Heaven with the love of her life, her late husband, Jim, on their wedding anniversary.

Carol was born on Jan. 9, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a daughter of John and Adeline Stoviak.

Besides her husband, James "Hummo," she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, James; two sisters, Shirley and Barbara; a brother, Jack; and other close family and friends.

Carol is survived by a daughter, Barbie (Bill) Miner, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; five sons, David, Steve (Stephanie), Randy (Sarah) and Jeff (Bethany), all of Wakefield, and Danno, Adams, Minnesota; 15 grandchildren; her siblings, Louie (Jean) Stoviak, Lynn (Mike) Schulenburg and Kenny (Anita) Stoviak; two brothers-in-law, Norman Petkac and Jerry (Toni-Ann) Anderson; her sister-in-law, Gail Thompson; her lifelong friend, Kathy (John) Dahlke; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Though Carol was raised and spent her early adulthood in Milwaukee, Jim smooth-talked her into moving to the Upper Peninsula to start a life together and raise a family. Carol embraced her new home in Wakefield, and together they raised seven children. Their door was always open, and all were welcome to stop by anytime. The house was never empty and always filled with love.

Carol was employed at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield, for more than 30 years. Her last shift was the evening before she passed. She attempted to retire a couple of times, but missed the residents and her co-workers and found her way back on the schedule. She found so much joy in caring for others.

Carol enjoyed knitting and crocheting, loved watching the Green Bay Packers win and was a "die hard" Smear player. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Carol rarely missed an event that her grandkids were in. Whether it was a concert, a basketball game, a baseball game, a dance recital, or a hockey game, she was always in the stands telling the person next to her all about which kid was "hers."

Mom was a strong and very caring person who lived life to the fullest. It gives us comfort knowing that dad greeted her in Heaven on their anniversary. She was prepared to go when the time came and in the last few years, she would casually talk about a future without her. Typical of her caring ways, she was preparing us for her passing. She ended every visit with a hug and every telephone call with a "Love you."

She was always thinking of others and frequently told us that "Everything works itself out," she gave the best life advice. So, when you think of our mom, let it be a happy moment or memory of a family reunion, a late-night work shift, a weekend hockey trip, or her calling you a sandbagger and then setting you up on the very next hand. In her memory, tell someone that you love them today.

A celebration of Carol's life will take place at Club 28 in Wakefield, on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 1 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Carol may be directed to the Gogebic Medical Care Residents Fund, 402 North St., Wakefield, MI 49968; Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI,49808-0310; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908; or a charity of one's choice.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.