- Date Of Birth: May 13, 1937
- Date Of Death: June 08, 2024
- State: Michigan
Carolyn J. Near, a recent resident of St. Johns and a longtime resident of Shepherd, Michigan, died peacefully at home after a valiant battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was 87 years old.Carolyn was born on May 13, 1937, in Edmore, Michigan, one of three children to Wesley and Ethelind Jensen. She was raised on the family potato farm, driving the tractor, pulling weeds and picking rocks, and was a graduate of Edmore High School. She excelled in sports and academics in high school. She played basketball and volleyball, while graduating with honors as the Salutatorian in her class. After graduation, Carolyn went on to earn a Bachelors degree in Education from Michigan State University. Carolyn embraced her love of teaching at Laingsburg and Shepherd schools where she taught Home Economics for over 25 years until retiring in 1998. Throughout her career she developed lasting friendships that continued on through her life.Carolyn, a pillar of strength to her family, was a beacon of love and generosity to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She had a strong Christian faith that was evident in everything she did.She was a friend to everyone she met, embracing everyone with her warm and welcoming spirit. Her children and grandchildren were of paramount importance to her. She centered her universe around being a nurturing mother and grandmother. She took profound joy in knowing the daily happenings of her grandchildren and celebrating all their special milestones along the way.She took pride in her Danish heritage and being an MSU graduate. She was a wonderful seamstress and an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Alma for 58 years. She was deeply involved in quilting groups, meals ministry, community outreach and parish care. Being a good friend and taking care of others was very important to her. She loved gardening, sewing, decorating her house, playing the piano, shopping, cooking and baking, reading and doing crossword puzzles while drinking a cold Coca Cola. She also loved to watch QVC, college and professional basketball and football and all MSU sporting events.
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