Carol Jean Sterling

Carol J. Sterling, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed at age 92 into eternal life on June 19, 2023.

Carol was born on August 21, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Emma and Homer Bashford. Carol was preceded in death by Richard (Dick) Sterling, her loving husband of over 56 years. Carol is survived by her three most devoted daughters and sons-in-law: Rene Henriksen (Craig), Sheri Louks (Scott), and Suzanne Olivieri (Antonio). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Heidi Welling, Erika English (Pat), Hannah Palac (Joe), Emma Michels (Phillip) and Mitchell, Harrison, and William Olivieri and her adored great-grandchildren: Ryan, Bradford, and Ella Welling, Zachary and Carter English, Parker Palac, and Patrick and Oliver Michels. Carol is also survived by her dear sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy and David Stelmaszek and many nieces and nephews.

Carol spent her formative years in Detroit, MI and attended Redford High School and Hillsdale College. Carol met her husband Dick at Hillsdale College and "the rest is history". Carol and Dick married in 1952, settled in Farmington, MI in 1957, lived there for over 50 years, and raised their three daughters there. During their marriage, they enjoyed camping and traveling, especially to the beaches of northern Michigan, Canada, and Maui, Hawaii. Carol was an incredible and caring homemaker and mother, a loyal and supportive friend to many, and an active and long-time member of St. John Lutheran Church, serving as the Sunday school administrator and in many other fellowship roles.

The family of Carol Sterling will receive guests at the Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, 33603 Grand River Ave., Farmington, MI 48335, on Saturday, September 23, beginning at 11:30 am, with a service at the funeral home at 12:30 pm, followed by a luncheon.

The family of Carol Sterling would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all family and friends who have shown their love and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church, 23225 Gill Rd, Farmington Hills, MI, 48335.