Carolyn was born in Memphis, TN, where she met and married Bill. They moved to Detroit, MI in 1942 where Bill worked for General Motors, retiring as Finance Manager of Chevrolet. On retirement they moved to Naples, FL, and Burt Lake in Northern Michigan. They celebrated 58 years of marriage.
Carolyn was an avid letter writer, bridge player, painter and gardener. She kept a full social calendar up to the days before her death. She was known for her sharp memory, spontaneity and perseverance. As she aged to 106, the word "amazing" followed her. "Where there's a will, there's a way" was her favorite saying. An active participant of the Royal Poinciana Club and the NUCC, Carolyn was their oldest member. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grand and great-grandchildren.
Her life was a gift to us all, and her example and love will always be a constant in our ever changing lives.
She was preceded in her death by her parents, Dr. Charles and Carrie Tavel, and her husband, William A. Gossett; and she is survived by daughters Anne Armstrong (Mike), and Laurie Randall (David). She is the grandmother of five: Linda Rittenhouse (Doug), Julie Deery (Andrew), Kristy Armstrong Clifton, Tom Gibb-Randall (Shannan), and Mike Gossett Randall (Ann); and fifteen great-grandchildren.
A service will be held at Naples United Church of Christ, Crayton Road, Naples, Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolyn's honor may be made to Naples United Church of Christ, or the Burt Lake Preservation Association, PO Box 632, Indian River, MI 49716.
