Carol Jane Gross

Carol Jane Gross, of Fort Myers, Florida, was called home to heaven Monday, February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Carol was born in Grand Rapids, MI on November 19, 1936, to Ivan and Ila Haan, the oldest of four children.

Carol had a passion for helping others, and this passion manifested into a lifelong career in Nursing. After graduating from South High School in Grand Rapids, Carol went on to graduate from Hackley School of Nursing in Muskegon, MI, and she furthered her Nursing education at Sienna Heights University in Adrian, MI. As her Nursing career evolved, Carol spent many years in management positions at Sinai Hospital in Detroit, MI and Crittendon Hospital in Rochester Hills, MI (now Ascension Hospital). Beyond her career as a Nurse, Carol also loved teaching various aspects of Nursing. She taught classes at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, and she often traveled, giving lectures on Nursing.

Carol married Bruce W. Gross (originally from Everett, MA) in Michigan on November 21, 1970. They began their married life together in a small house in Detroit before moving to Beverly Hills, MI in 1975. Carol & Bruce had two sons, James (1971) and Daniel (1973), and resided there until they both retired.

When Carol retired from Nursing in early 2004, she and Bruce moved to Fort Myers, FL and together they enjoyed the beaches, the beautiful sunsets over the water, the seafood and the warm climate. Shortly into retirement, Carol was drawn back to her passion for Nursing and began serving many years as a Parish Nurse, first at Sanibel Congregational Church on Sanibel Island, and then at Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers. She finally officially retired from Parish Nursing in 2017 at the age of 80.

Carol enjoyed cooking and baking, was an avid reader, a talented seamstress and cherished time spent with family and friends. She was particularly proud of her two sons and loved being a mother and grandmother. She also enjoyed participating in the Gateway Women’s Club, was a longstanding season ticket holder at the Florida Repertory Theatre, and was a devoted Christian who attended weekly church services and, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, continued to worship by attending the online services of multiple churches in both Florida & Michigan.

Carol was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bruce (2005). She is survived by son James Gross of Fort Myers, FL; son Dan Gross (Jennifer) of Beverly Hills, MI and grandson Dylan Gross (MI); and her siblings Jerry Haan (MI), Ken Haan (MI), Mary Wiesner-Portfleet (MI), as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private celebration in remembrance of Carol at a later date in Michigan.