Carolyn F Pesda Kulick

Carolyn Pesda was born October 5, 1915 in Glen Campbell, Pennsylvania into a musical family. As was common during that era, Carolyn and her family moved to Detroit in search of work. Carolyn’s lifelong love of music and dance was nurtured by her ballet instructor Madame Kathryn Etienne, who had a dance academy in Detroit. Madame Etienne later moved to Hollywood and opened a dance studio that catered to famous movie stars like Cyd Charisse, Mitzi Gaynor and Vera Allen for more than half a century. Throughout all those years, Carolyn and her mentor remained close. As a matter of fact, one of Carolyn’s last trips was in 1993 when she traveled to Los Angeles to attend Madame’s 90th birthday at the Hollywood Bowl.

Throughout her long life, Carolyn’s true passion was music. She sang professionally and was a marvelous soprano- she could hit a high C and beyond with ease. She performed primarily at the Harmonie Club where she was often the featured vocalist. She sang in the chorus when the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera toured Detroit, and she was frequently in demand as a soloist at many weddings.

In 1941, Carolyn married John Kulick, a metallurgist who worked for Great Lakes Steel. They later had a son, Thomas. During that time, Carolyn worked as an executive secretary at the K-Mart Corporate Headquarters in Troy for fifteen years.

After their retirement, Carolyn and John spent many happy days traveling across the United States and Europe. After 44 years of marriage, John died in 1985. Carolyn’s love of travel lead her to continue her adventures with her sister-in-law, Mary Ann. Together; they traveled to Alaska and other locales.

In 2004 Carolyn moved from Dearborn to Okemos to be closer to her family. She eventually took up residence at the Ingham County Extended Care Facility, where she entertained the marvelous nurses and staff with her signing and good cheer.

In the words of her son Tom, “Mom was woman of deep faith, although she did not wear that faith on her sleeve. I am convinced that her faith transcended her fear of death and that that same faith has now seen her safely and peacefully to His eternal home.

“I suspect that all of us when faced with our ultimate destiny and journey will wonder whether we have the courage to face our own death. Have amassed sufficient grace? Was our faith strong enough? Were we sufficiently contrite when we prayed that God forgive us our trespasses? In Mom’s case I am convinced that her reservoir of faith was deep and filled with grace and her contrition true.”

Carolyn Pesda Kulick is survived by her son Thomas of Okemos, daughter-in-law Susan, and grandsons Matthew and Peter.

Carolyn’s family wants to sincerely thank all of the nurses, aides, and the excellent support staff at Ingham County Extended Care Facility who took such good care of her over the years, especially Terri, Michelle, Brook and Eileen in the dementia unit.

Funeral services will be held at St. John Student Parish, 327 MAC, East Lansing, on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., with Father Joseph Krupp officiating. The family will greet friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Contributions in memory of Carolyn are suggested to the Greater Lansing Food Bank, PO Box 16224, Lansing, MI 48901.

Arrangements under the direction of Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, MI.