Carole Marie Quinn was born on December 30, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Milton & Clara Witte. She passed away peacefully in Livonia, Michigan, on Monday January 28, 2019 in the arms of her daughter and surrounded by her family at the age of 72.
Carole was the beloved wife of the late Michael Francis Quinn. Loving mother of Kevin Quinn, Michele (Scott) McQuade and the late Stephen Arthur Quinn. The best "Grammy" of Tammi, Austin, Tyler and Allison McQuade. Dear sister of Shirley (Dave) Speirs. "Auntie Grammy" of many nieces and nephews
Carole had many jobs over the years. Everywhere Carole worked, she treated her team-members as family; caring for everyone like the fierce mother she was. She worked for General Motors as an Office Clerk; in Guest Services at Hudson’s, Target and Kohl’s. Carole ended her working career as a Receptionist and Family Liaison at Harry J. Will Funeral Homes in Livonia, Redford, and Wayne. Families loved her and the compassion she had for them in their time of grief. She will always be remembered having her trademark glass of Coca-Cola on ice at her desk with her chips and pretzels.
Carole was a longtime member of NWSMOTC: North West Suburban Mothers of Twins Club where she developed deep and lasting friendships. Carole joined a grief-group when her mother passed away that was started by New Hope Center for Grief Support. The grief-group has now become part of her “family” as well. After many years, the group still has a strong bond.
Carole was known as “Mama Quinn”. She treated everyone she met like family. She frequently took in people that needed a helping hand and made them immediately feel at home. She treated all of her daughters’ friends like they were her own; always looking out for them and coaching them through issues. They all called her Mom. However, Carole was not shy with stern advice or tough-love. She spoke her mind whether someone wanted to hear it or not. Carole stood for the underdog who couldn’t stand up for themselves. She opened her house to anybody and everybody. Carole was the one who would answer the phone at 3am if someone needed her or simply needed an ear to listen.
She loved traveling with her family and friends. Carole took her family to almost every state. They did everything from camping in Traverse City to seeing the sites in Branson and playing on the beach in Florida. She enjoyed going to the casino with her sister and her buddies. Carole has been a part of a small group of friends for over 30 years. To have the same friends for that long is not heard of these days. She is fiercely loyal and unconditionally loved people. “Mama Quinn” had an amazing collection of teddy bears. She loved animals (especially dogs) and dancing the night away to country music. However, Carole’s family was her passion. She simply loved being a “Grammy” and never passed up an opportunity to talk about those babies. She will be deeply missed, and never forgotten by the many many lives she touched over the years. She had a strong presence, a fantastically raspy voice, giant smile, and an unforgettable laugh. She is up in Heaven having a party with Jesus and her family with chips and dip, pretzels, ice-cream, and Coca-Cola on ice. Although “Mama Quinn” is not physically here anymore, she will be watching out for all of her “kids” like the stubborn Pitbull-guarding angel she was on earth.
Carole's family will receive friends for a visitation on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152.
The visitation will continue Thursday, January 31, 2019 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm.
Carole's life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 11am on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the funeral home. The service will be led by Reverend Mark Raitz who was one of the many dear friends Carole had. The gathering time and final goodbyes will begin at 10am.
Carole will be laid to rest with her husband in Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park Cemetery, in Livonia, Michigan.
Serving as pallbearers are Mark Speirs, Doug Speirs, Scott Speirs, Scott McQuade, Kevin Quinn, Bradley Mathis, Will Bohnert and Everett Stamper.
Contributions in Carole's memory may be made to:
The Special Olympics
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant , Michigan 48859
or
The American Heart Association
208 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1242
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared in the guest book for the Quinn family. Any messages and photos left will be printed in a keepsake book for the family to always cherish.
