Carolyn Marie Clancy

Carolyn Marie (Schmitt) Clancy was called to heaven on October 31, 2026. During her ninety years of life, Carolyn brought joy, laughter, and comfort to her family, friends, and neighbors. Carolyn was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 25, 1936, to Rose and Adolph Schmitt. She was the oldest child and had two younger brothers, Jerry and Russel. Carolyn attended Dominican High School.Walking home from school one day, she met a boy from St. Joseph High School, Robert Emmett Clancy. Soon, she and Bob became high school sweethearts. In June of 1957, Carolyn graduated from the University of Detroit Dental Hygiene School, and shortly thereafter she and Bob were married in Guardian Angels Church in Detroit. The couple moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, while Bob finished his tour of duty with the United States Coast Guard. In 1958, they moved back to the Detroit area. Carolyn worked part-time as a dental hygienist, and they started their family. In 1973, Carolyn and Bob moved to Carriage Hills in Washington Township, where they raised their family and helped establish the neighborhood. Carolyn remained in their home for the next 53 years. Throughout the years, Carolyn created a loving, nurturing home for her husband and seven children. Providing delicious meals and tasty baked treats was the way she expressed her love. She was always available for help with a school project or to edit an English paper. Carolyn sewed special school outfits, Halloween costumes, prom dresses, and bridal attire throughout the years. Carolyn established many family traditions that she carried on throughout her life, from Christmas stockings filled to the brim with exactly what everyone wanted to a fun-filled week at the lake every summer. When her seven children were young, she planned vacations so they could visit beautiful and educational places. In later years, she loved getting the whole family together. No one wanted to miss the boisterous family parties full of games and snacks. Between keeping a beautiful home, raising seven children, and later enjoying fifteen grandchildren, Carolyn rarely sat still. But she would sometimes find a quiet moment for a cup of tea and a good book, or you might find her in the yard planting flowers. She loved the peace of working in nature. She also enjoyed embroidery and other crafts. She was always interested in history and, in recent years, spent time researching both Bob's heritage and her Schmitt heritage. Throughout their sixty-five years of marriage, Carolyn and Bob cherished their friendships, keeping in touch with high school friends, hosting dinner parties, and traveling together to visit friends. Siesta Key was a favorite destination. Carolyn had a generous and kind heart. She touched so many lives with her thoughtful gestures, from a handwritten note saying she was thinking of you to a plate of cookies to welcome you to the neighborhood. A birthday card from her would arrive in the mail every year, right on time. Everyone loved talking to Carolyn because she really listened and she cared. She remembered your upcoming event, your challenges at work, or that you had an ailing friend, and she would ask how things were going the next time she saw you. You could count on her to provide the just-right words of encouragement or advice, because she paid attention to what you needed. Her quick wit and wry sense of humor would often have everyone in stitches. Carolyn's abiding Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. From participating in May Crownings as a young girl to serving others through Christian Service projects in her parish, she lived her deep faith. She and Bob raised their children in the Catholic faith, teaching them the power of prayer, the importance of the sacraments, and the strength that comes from reliance on God. In times of sorrow, Carolyn turned to the Cross; in moments of joy, she gave thanks to God. She trusted in the infinite love and mercy of Jesus Christ throughout her life, always recognizing His many blessings. Carolyn was generous, gracious, and grateful. She will be dearly missed by her children: Bridget (Craig) Korpela, Maureen (the late John) Kerr, Kathleen (Howard) Reeves, Nora (Ken) Zurek, Patricia Clancy (Mark Hackbarth), Robert (Heidi Frei) Clancy Jr., and Michael Clancy; her grandchildren: Peggy Korpela Viramontes (Ed), Kerry Korpela, Erin Lizotte (Nick), Emma Kerr, Megan Reeves, Eileen Reeves, Brian Reeves, Matthew (Liz) Zurek, David Zurek, Isabella Zurek, William (Megan) Hackbarth, Timothy Hackbarth, Steven Hackbarth, Marisol Frei Clancy, and Freya Frei Clancy; her great grandchildren: Lydia Zurek, Lukas Zurek, Elena Viramontes and Callie Lizotte; her brother Russ (Kay) Schmitt, her sister-in-law Elaine Schmitt and her brother-in-law Jack Clancy. Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Clancy after 65 years of marriage. Visitation will take place on Friday, November 6th from 3:00pm to 8:00pm with a 7:00pm Rosary at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. (SHELBY TOWNSHIP). Instate 9:30am followed by a 10:00am Mass at SS. John & Paul Catholic Church, 7777 28 Mile Rd, Washington, MI 48094. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, https://www.cskdetroit.org/. Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

Carolyn Marie Clancy

June 25, 1936 - October 31, 2026