Carole J. Vander Meulen's Obituary
Mrs. Carole J. Vander Meulen, age 79, passed away early Monday morning at her daughter’s home. Carole was born to Fred and Lillian R. (Paradise) St. John on December 23, 1926, in Manistique, MI. Carole moved down state in the forties, where she met the love of life, John F. Vander Meulen. They were married on March 15th, 1947 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary before John passed away on September 22nd, 1998. Carole was a homemaker, as most women were in the forties and fifties. She was a glorified volunteer for Orchard View Schools where her daughter attended. Carole was an accomplished seamstress making costumes for school events and clothes for her grandchildren. Carole took pride in her home and yard with hedges, perennial flowers and flowering bushes that she, herself manicured. She was an avid golfer in her later years with a hole in one to her credit. Carole enjoyed camping and boating with family and friends. But, the real loves of her life were her grandchildren, RaChelle Leigh and Robert John. Her out pouring of love to them was never ending. Years later, just when she thought she couldn’t be happier, along came Phoebe Anne, her great-granddaughter, almost a duplicate of her mother, RaChelle. Phoebe entertained great-grandma, Carole, with her singing and willingness to try most anything. Carole called her Precious Phoebe. Then 8 ½ years later, Jacob Ryan arrived, the son of RaChelle and Philip Pierce. Jacob is 19 months and could bring the brightest smile to her face by just entering the room. Carole was truly blessed with love; Carole was a very special mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be sadly missed by her family and many others. Carole was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. She leaves behind, her daughter, Lynn Ann (Robert) Miszewski and their children, RaChelle Leigh (Philip) Pierce and Robert John Miszewski; great-grandchildren, as mentioned previously; Miss Phoebe Anne Pierce and Master Jacob Ryan Pierce; two sisters: Elaine (Lee) Tyler of Muskegon, Bernice Archambeault of Chicago; two brothers, Wallace (Phyllis) St. John of San Benito, TX and Donald (Dawn) St. John of Manistique, MI; special aunt, Merle McCauley; special loving niece Betsy (Mike) Ridderman; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Previously deceased are sister, Betty Scrutch and brother, Warren (Sonny) St. John; her parents and husband, John. In lieu of flowers, please consider Hospice of Muskegon-Oceana or Loaves and Fishes food pantry. A MEMORIAL MASS will take place at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Saturday, June 3rd 2006 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior to Mass.
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