Carolyn Jean Hennessey

Carolyn J. Hennessey, age 75 of Warren, died Thursday, August 11, 2011 at the Bortz Health Care Facility while under the compassionate care of Henry Ford Hospice. She was born on March 6, 1936 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late John and the late Edna (nee: Thuenen) Greve. On June 23, 1962, Carolyn's life was wonderfully changed when she took that fateful walk down the aisle, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Oak Park, and promised herself in marriage to the love of her life, John. The two would go on to share over 49 years growing in love, building a home, and nurturing a family together. Carolyn was a graduate of Michigan State University where she obtained her teaching degree. Specializing in Physical Education, her teaching opportunities included not only Michigan, but New York and Dayton, Ohio as well. Later in life, when her children were of high school age, she decided to switch careers and entered the realm of nursing. With a true heart of care and compassion, she extended many years of dedicated service as a nurse with the Hutzell Hospital in Detroit, until her retirement in 1998. Along with the compassion she held as a nurse, Carolyn also possessed a charitable heart as well. Always thinking of others first, she played an integral part as a volunteer with the Meals On Wheels program for many years. Another aspect of her giving spirit was realized through her involvement with the Cub Scouts where she offered her time & gifts as an Assistant Den Mother. Some of Carolyn's favorite pastimes included golfing, bowling, and traveling. Along with her husband, John, the two would meet up with family members for annual sight-seeing treks that took them all over the country. Two of their most memorable trips included Niagara Falls, and the Route 66 trip out to the Grand Canyon. Another highlight of Carolyn's life were the friendships she shared with her lady friends and all of the fabulous fun they shared at their lunches together. Known more affectionately as the Birthday Club, they shared a storehouse of precious memories of the conversation and laughter that was held around the table. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her life and caregiving nature touched a multitude of hearts along life's way,...but nonesomuch as her cherished loved one's. The legacy of love she leaves behind is strong and true, and the memories they share will keep her ever-present in thought. She will be immensely missed and eternally remembered. The family wishes to thank the "guadian angels" of Henry Ford Hospice, at the Bortz Health Care Facility in Warren, for the immeasurable care & compassion they extended to Carolyn throughout her last days. They truly helped to make an incredible difference. Carolyn was the beloved wife of John. Dear mother of Patrick (Pamela), Karen, and the late Brian. Loving grandmother of Erin and Colleen. Sister of John (Sally) Greve and Doris (Biff) Hilliker. Visitation for Carolyn will be held on Monday, August 15th from 3-9pm, with a 7pm Scripture Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. She will lie in state from 9:00am until the time of Mass at 9:30am on Tuesday, August 16th, at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, 31555 Hoover Road in Warren. Officiating the liturgy will be Fr. Roman Pasieczny. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcomed to Henry Ford Hospice, 11700 E. 10 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089. Please share memories of Carolyn at her guest book.