Carolyn M. Totten

Carolyn M. Totten, 87, of Northville, passed away on April 7, 2025, at home surrounded by family. She was born on February 3, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, daughter of Charles F. and Dorothy (Tarte) Coe. Carol graduated in 1956 from Southeastern High School in Detroit and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marygrove College.

Carol began her professional journey as an art teacher at Clintondale High School in Clinton Township. It was there she met the love of her life, David, a math and science teacher. David and Carol were united in marriage on March 8, 1963; they spent over 30 years devoted to their love until his death on May 13, 1993.

After starting a family, Carol stepped away from teaching to focus on raising her boys. Once her boys were school-age, she returned to the workforce in various roles. She launched her own business, “Carol’s Pies,” crafting delicious apple and pumpkin pies that were sold at Parmenter’s Cider Mill. She also was the donut baker at Parmenter’s and proud that she could lift the heavy dough mixer bowl. For over a decade, Carol managed Sandy’s Hallmark store in downtown Northville, where she was known for her warmth and creativity. She later worked at the Dancing Eye Gallery, where she enjoyed supporting local artists and celebrating their work.

Carol was an active member of the Northville Genealogical Society and a proud resident of Cabbagetown, where she played a key role in helping to build and maintain the neighborhood park. As a volunteer, she befriended residents at Angela Hospice and Star Manor, where she was known for her kindness and compassionate heart. She especially loved being part of the “old Northville mom network,” which she’d joke was her secret to keeping track of her boys.

Carol loved playing her music loud and dancing. She enjoyed camping trips with her family and playing gin rummy with her husband late into the night. She spent many hours crocheting, creating handmade afghan blankets that she gifted to many families with new babies. She also never passed up a good garage sale. Carol showed her love by baking delicious treats such as dream bars, ginger snaps and incredible edibles. Above all, Carol was an amazing and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her outspoken and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Carol is survived by her sons, Charlie (Trina) Totten, Dan (Nancy) Totten, James (Bety) Totten, and John (Anna) Totten; her sisters, Jeanette Sloan and Cathie (Jesse) Kogut; her sister-in-law Linda Coe; and her grandchildren, Marjorie, Harry, David, James A., Isabel, Shane, Lou and Gus. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother Frederic Coe. Her caregivers Roxana and Ana provided love and support in her final years as she battled Alzheimer’s.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 11, 2025 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. A funeral mass will be held Monday, April 14, 2025 at 11:00am, with visitation beginning at 10:30am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard, Northville. Carol will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mount Elliot Street, Detroit, MI 48207.