Caroline Catherine “Carol” Cline, 83, of Athens, passed away at home Friday, November 26, 2021 under the care of her family and Elara Caring Hospice.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 3, 2021 at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation in Union City with Deacon John Wielgos of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bronson officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Lighthouse in Union City, with a Rosary Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Carol was born on March 8, 1938 in Detroit, MI to Stanley and Sophia (Wotta) Polczynski. After the death of her father, Carol’s family moved to Bronson when she was 13. Carol went on to graduate from Bronson High School in 1956.
On August 10, 1957 she was united with Ivan Wayne Cline in a double wedding ceremony in which her twin sister, Connie, married Aurice Converse. The sisters continued to share many special occasions throughout their lives.
Carol and Ivan resided in Athens, where Carol was employed by Athens Area Schools for more than 20 years and was known as “The Best Lunch Lady Around.” She always made extra food so her big eaters could have seconds (and sometimes thirds!).
When not working, Carol was very involved in the Athens community. She was a member of the VFW and Athens Fire Department auxiliaries, served on the Athens Homecoming Committee and was a member of the Athens Athletic Boosters. She could always be found at Athens sporting events, cheering for her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
In her younger days, Carol enjoyed going dancing. She loved to knit, crochet, make Christmas ornaments and to play BINGO. For many years, she was part of “The Bridge Club” with a group of friends. She collected chickens and had amassed a collection of over 150 miniature souvenir spoons from the states and other countries. She also collected Depression dishware.
In her later years, Carol belonged to the Athens Red Hat group, played a lot of Solitaire (to the point she wore the paint off her portable card-playing stand). She enjoyed reading, coloring, watching college and pro football, Perry Mason and Matlock, and the Game Show Network. Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy were her favorite programs. She attended St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Mendon.
Carol is survived by her children, Mark (Linda) Cline, Beth (Jeff Jones) O’Donnell, Dawn (James) Larimer and Hope (fiancée Rod Weber) Thompson; grandchildren Troy (fiancée Marie) Larimer, Carl (Deborah) Thompson, Tracy (Travis) Kuhlmann, Darcy (Timothy) McAllister, Dana Larimer and Harley Thompson; great-grandchildren Payton, Thea, Tate and Rose; sisters-in-law, Sally (Steve) Post and Cindy (Ronald) Cundiff; and extended family Tony, Jessica and Anna Campbell.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Sophia Polczynski; her husband, Ivan (1992); her siblings, Helen, Edward, Bernice and Constance; and a son-in-law, Kevin O’Donnell.
Memorials are suggested to the Athens VFW #5319 Auxiliary, 120 Veterans Drive, Athens, MI 49011; or the Athens Community Association for the Athens Homecoming fund; or St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 332 State Street, Mendon, MI 49072, for the preservation fund.
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