Carolyn D. Spitzley, our Mom, one of God’s most loving and giving creations died peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at the age of 80. She was born July 25, 1934 in St. Johns, MI the daughter of Irving and Dorothy (Fitzpatrick) Eaton. She was blessed with numerous talents including playing the piano and organ, sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking/baking, gardening, a wonderful sense of humor, and a profound empathy for anyone in need. Her never-ending generosity benefited many. And oh, what a smile! With Mom every tear was wiped away and replaced with a kiss, every injury soothed by her tender care, every request for help never, ever denied. Grandchildren were her total delight and almost anything was allowed at Grandma’s house. Hugs, cookies (lots), crafts, music, games and so much more were given that the grandkids often did not want to leave. She was the Queen of Halloween and also enjoyed the entire Christmas season. Mom loved the water and putting her toes in the sand, the simple things in life gave her the most joy. Carolyn was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and was the organist at St. Mary Catholic Church in Westphalia for many years. She was a former Girl Scout Leader, taught piano, and was a library assistant at both the Bement and Briggs Public Libraries in St. Johns and was an active member of the St. Johns Lioness Club. Surviving are her children, Jo Lynn (Kevin) Wendling, Jayne Schafer, Jeanne (Mike) Klaver, Judy (Rich) Childers, Jeff (Nicole) Spitzley, Janelle (Greg) Paksi and Jennifer (James) Padilla; 22 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; four sisters, Joan (Bernard) Jorae, Rosemary (William) McCarthy, Sharon Eaton (Ing Ragoonan) and Betsy (Gary) Lehman. She was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, Lucy-Grace and a sister Priscilla Schutzenhofer. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Monday, February 9, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden St. Johns with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams as Celebrant. Visitation and reminiscing will be 2:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday, February 8, 2015 with a vigil service at 7:00 PM at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. Memorials may be made to St. Johns Lioness Club P.O. Box 454 St. Johns, MI 48879 or the Alzheimer’s Association 2111 University Park Dr., Suite 200 Okemos, MI 48864. The family would like to extend our most sincere thanks to the loving staff at A Ewing Country Estates AFC and Great Lakes Hospice who took such great care of Mom.

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