Carole Lynn Spaulding, devoted mother, grandmother, and wife, passed away on May 29, 2025, at age 82. Carole was born in Saginaw, Michigan on June 17, 1942, to Gertrude and Edmund Fries.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Danny Lee Spaulding; parents, Gertrude and Edmund; sister, Mary; brothers, Gerald and James. Carole is survived by her children, Leslie (Keith) Mellon, Lisa May, Todd Spaulding, Patrick Spaulding (Lynn); 8 grandchildren, Barbra, Justin, Josh, Shea, Madison, Harrison, Sophia, Ian, Grace; 12 great-grandchildren, Justin, Jayden, Jonah, Elijah, Olivia, Catilya, Willow, Easton, Jazzy, Charlotte, Joseph, and Arthur; brother, Edmund Fries.
Carole was known for her quick wit, artistic talent, and as the keeper of all family knowledge.
Carole lived in Bridgeport, where the children were raised from the late 1960s until the early 1980s, when the family moved to Traverse City. In the early 2000s Carole and Dan retired to Estero, Florida where they remained until Dan passed in 2002. Carole was an avid and skilled sewer and crafter. She was happiest on boating adventures with Dan as they traveled favorite routes along their beloved waters of Michigan and Florida.
The family will greet friends and relatives from 6-8pm, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 750 Gladstone Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506. Private burial at Woodland Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
A time of food and fellowship will be held after at Casino Club of Grand Rapids, 3260 Salerno Drive NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525, following the burial.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Scleroderma Foundation, https://scleroderma.org/
10 Responses
My heart and prayers to her entire family. I know Carole will be missed.
I will very much miss my dear Aunt Carole, and I will cherish her memory always. I will always remember the conversations we had, and the beautiful cards she herself created-very special! Meredith & I send our deepest sympathy and condolences to cousins Leslie, Lisa, Patrick and Todd at this most difficult time, as well as to her brother Ed. God bless you Aunt Carole, and rest in peace in your Heavenly Home.
I have many fond memories of spending time with my grandma. When I was little she would pick me up on my birthday and take me to the store to get ingredients for whatever birthday cake I wanted and then we would make it together. She was so talented with her sewing machine and made me countless things over the years. Carole was loved and will be missed!!
Love you Grandma. We will miss you a ton. I know you’re up there with Grandpa now, watching down on us all.
Though I am a former son-in-law of Carole’s, I am clinging to the cherished memories time spent with her and family. Carole offered the correct amount of spice to any gathering, often verbalizing what others were merely thinking. The icing on the cake is the thought of her and Dan together again. ✨✨ My thoughts and prayers go out to all.
Jim Coerper
Very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of time with your family, most of it revolving around hockey, camping up north, and old fashioned winter snow storms. Seems like a lifetime ago. Positive thoughts going out to all of you.
Prayers to Lislie and family. Best wishes from Rosemary Earl – aunt of James Coerper.
Wishing for comfort for your family during this time. Like Kevin, many of my memories in childhood are hockey, camping and the Spaulding family.
Carole and Dan welcomed me into their home and family during a very difficult time in my teens and I am forever grateful for their kindness. Peace dear lady and prayers for the family!
Prayers and thoughts for all the family.🙏🥰