Carol Anne Stark, 77, of Lake Orion, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2023, with her family and pastor by her side.
Carol was born to the late Franklyn and Frances Vis on June 4, 1946, in Grand Rapids, MI. She graduated from Grandville High School in 1964, attended Michigan State University and later earned an associate’s degree from Oakland Community College.
She met William Stark at MSU and they married in August of 1966. As Bill began his career in the state parks, they lived in numerous northern Michigan parks, welcoming two children along the way and eventually settling in Lake Orion where they have lived since 1978.
Carol is survived by her husband, Bill and two children: Cristie (Don) Tyrrell of Lake Orion and Mike (Laura) Stark, of Allen Park. She is also survived by her sister Virginia (Allen) VanderVeen, and her grandchildren: Jordan Stark, Katie Tyrrell, Brody Stark, Nick Palencar, Drew Tyrrell, Ella Palencar and Madison Stark. Carol is also survived by nine loved nieces and nephews and their families.
Carol’s work life encompassed many different careers. Early in marriage, she took on numerous bookkeeping jobs, with great success. After receiving her degree from OCC, she worked as a respiratory therapist in hospital settings and later as a home care respiratory therapist. She finished her working career in sleep therapy.
Carol was a loving grandmother. She made it a priority to be present and involved in as many of her grandchildren’s activities as humanly possible. She was a musician, played the piano, sang in the church choir and the Jackson Chorale, played in the handbell choir at church and loved listening to music. She was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind beautiful memories of a life dedicated to all things family. A loyal friend, Carol was always ready to lend a hand, lend an ear, offer advice and just have FUN. She was an avid crafter and talented seamstress. Carol was so very loved by all who were blessed to know her.
Celebration of Life was held at Lake Orion United Methodist Church on Friday, September 8, 2023.
The family requests memorials be made to either Lake Orion United Methodist Church (music and community meals program) or to Quality of Life Center.
Online reflections may be shared at www.sparksgriffin.com.