Carolyn Ann Carroll

October 4, 1941 - January 6, 2021

Carolyn entered this world on October 4, 1941, a “small but mighty” 5 lb. 15 oz. baby to proud parents Edward and Genevieve Peplinski. This description stayed with Carolyn throughout her life. There were few things she did not achieve once she set her mind to it. Carolyn grew up in Traverse City and attended St. Francis Schools from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. She was a go-getter…she played the accordion and she was one of 4 cheerleaders on the squad throughout her high school days. As a senior, Carolyn started dating the love of her life, Jim Carroll. They married soon after high school on May 10, 1961. Carolyn and Jim started their family and had three children, Michael, Scott and Kristin. Their family became the focal point of their lives, and Carolyn was never too busy to fiercely advocate for anything her children and husband wanted to pursue. Tragically, Carolyn and Jim lost their daughter Krissy to Cystic Fibrosis at age 4. Carolyn and Jim managed and eventually owned Carroll’s Bakery where Carolyn was responsible for the bookkeeping. Other career moves led her to managerial positions with Pointes North Inn and Britten Media. Carolyn was a devoted wife and mother and was selfless in her pursuit of making the people in her life happy and fulfilled. Weekends were filled with equestrian competitions and motocross races with her sons. She was a devoted Gladiator fan and rarely missed a game. Jim has coached football, basketball and track at St. Francis High School for 69 years, and Carolyn knew that coaching was what Jim loved to do. She always made sure his clothes were ready and the path was clear for him to get to the games and practices on time. Carolyn carried on these selfless traditions with her grandchildren. She loved to travel with them to places they chose. She always made sure they had fun, sometimes surprising them with her tenacity. Carolyn faced challenges in her life, losing her daughter Krissy, undergoing a single lung transplant from Pulmonary Fibrosis at age 72, and caring for her parents in their later years. Her will to overcome hardships was ever present. She was indeed a gift to all of us and will be sorely missed. Carolyn leaves behind her husband of 67 years, Jim Carroll; sons Michael and Scott; grandchildren Savannah, Gunnar, Logan, Ashton and Peyton; sister Arlene Hinds; many in-laws and fellow outlaws, nephews and nieces. She has been reunited in heaven with beautiful Krissy. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, January 14, 2021, 1:00 PM, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Traverse City. Visitation will take place Wednesday, January 13 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 2-4 PM, and again from 6-8 PM; the Holy Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 PM. Carolyn will be laid to rest in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens following Mass. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, at CFF.org