Carolyn A. Freebury

CAROLYN ANN FREEBURY, age 74, of Novi, shucked the burdens of cancer and gallivanted off to play euchre with the Holy Trinity on November 4, 2017. Loving daughter. Adored big sister. Wonderful wife. Amazing mom. Proud grandma. Best friend. Accomplished professional. Faithful servant of God. Carolyn was born in Effingham, IL on August 11, 1943, to Jerome B. Ebel, Sr. and Madeline Barthelme Ebel. The family relocated to Battle Creek, MI, when Carolyn was very young. An excellent student and spirited cheerleader, she graduated from Saint Philips High School in 1961. Strong-willed and independent, Carolyn paid her own way through college medical secretary courses and in the 1960's she worked as the administrative assistant to the Administrator at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, where she also caught the eye of future husband, Tom, who was then a student at Western Michigan University. In the 1970's Carolyn worked for Dr. Hugo Saenz in private practice while raising a family in Lansing. In a mid-life career shift in the 1980's, she took a position with Mark A. Wyckoff as Vice President of Operations for the consulting firm Planning & Zoning Center, Inc., in Lansing, publishing the monthly magazine The Planning and Zoning News, planning workshops, and expertly overseeing the myriad business details, where she worked until her retirement in 2008.  In retirement she and husband, Tom, enjoyed being active with St. Casimir Church in Lansing, particularly with singing in the choir, lectoring, and coordinating the FOCCUS Pre-Marriage Inventory for over well twenty years. And, more recently, with Our Lady of Victory Church in Northville helping with the senior luncheons and singing in the funeral choir. Carolyn and Tom also enjoyed spending time and taking cruises with a large group of longtime friends, volunteering at the Northville District Library, visiting their son and his family in Oregon where she treasured being "Grandma C", and spending quality time with their daughter in Northville. After living in Lansing for over 40 years, they moved to Novi in 2011 to live closer to their daughter. Carolyn loved to laugh and cherished her faith, family and friends. Her spunky personality, genuine kindness and wonderful warm smile are her legacy. She was adored by many. Carolyn is survived by the love of her life, devoted husband of 52 years, Tom, daughter Dorie, son Matt, daughter-in-law Anne, granddaughter Sophia, her brothers Jerry and Terry Ebel and their loving families, and many treasured friends. The Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 8, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville.  The Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 10:30 a.m., in state beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Dr., Northville.  Memorial gifts may be made to the animal rescue organization of your choice or the American Cancer Society.