Carolyn Dowd Mitchell

Carolyn Dowd Mitchell, age 77, of Hessel, Michigan, passed away peacefully June 12, 2016 in St. Ignace, Michigan surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born on June 11, 1939 in Saginaw, Michigan to Charles Edward and Frances (Field) Dowd. Carolyn grew up in Fibre, Michigan and attended a one-room school house in Fibre until she went to Rudyard Area Schools. She graduated in 1957 and continued her education studying Art at Ferris Institute in Big Rapids for three years. In 1960, she married Ronald Ray Mitchell and they made their home in St. Ignace. They later moved to Brevort where they managed Dowd’s Resort and Dowd’s Boat Landing. In addition to raising their five children, they opened their home to over 30 foster children over many years. They moved back to St. Ignace in 1980 and Carolyn returned to college at Bay De Noc in Escanaba where she graduated with a Licensed Practical Nursing Degree. Following nursing school, she went to work at Mackinac Straits Hospital Long Term Care. She also worked as a nurse for several local doctors and retired from Burns Clinic in St. Ignace. Carolyn enjoyed helping other people and was a natural care-giver. She also volunteered her time at the Cedar Post Thrift Shop and Food Pantry in Cedarville. She loved to travel, especially along the shores of Lake Superior and the state of Alaska, tour lighthouses, and camp with family. She enjoyed crafts, antiquing, and spending time on the lakeshore. She especially enjoyed quality time with her eight grandchildren. She was a kindhearted, loving, and caring person; and very generous with her hugs. She strongly supported her husband Ron while he actively served their community in countless leadership roles in various service organizations. Carolyn is survived by her children, Kimberly (Rick) Mislan of Avon, New York, Heather Peterson of St. Ignace, Brett (Jill) Mitchell of Flushing, Michigan, Scott Mitchell of Richmond, Michigan, and Tobey Mitchell of St. Ignace; grandchildren, Mitchell Peterson, Mackenzie Mislan, Emelia Mislan, Joshua Mitchell, Molly Mitchell, Benjamin Mitchell, Nicholas Mitchell, and Jacob Mitchell; brother, Charles (Helen) Dowd of Niceville, Florida; brother-in-law, Robert (Betty) Mitchell of California; and sister-in-law, Nancy Roberts of Arkansas. Carol was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Ronald Ray Mitchell in 2012. Private services will be held at a later date. Interment will be in North Rudyard Cemetery in Rudyard, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Post Thrift Shop and Food Pantry, P.O. Box 485, Cedarville, MI 49719 or Cedar Cove Assisted Living, P. O. Box 580, Cedarville, MI 49719 R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.

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Carolyn Dowd Mitchell

June 11, 1939 - June 12, 2016