Carole (Hoover) VanderVeen of Tawas City (previously Grand Rapids) passed in her sleep on October 3, 2023, at the age of 81. She is survived by her husband, Joe, with whom she recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. She was born in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Robert and Ella (VanderSchuur) Hoover and graduated from Creston High School. The couple lived in Maryland initially, then moved to Hale, MI where they raised their family, and she was a loving mother to her sons Joe, Greg, and Jay.
Carole was a wonderful wife and mother and enjoyed painting, gardening, and providing the best dishes at the church potlucks. She loved entertaining and hosted game nights at their homes in Michigan and Florida, particularly boisterous matches of Jokers and Marbles. After staying home with the kids until they were all in school, Carole worked as a medical transcriptionist, a legal secretary, and a real estate agent. After retirement, she became a member of the Red Hat Society where she encouraged women in their quest to get the most out of life.
Carole is survived by her husband, Joe VanderVeen; her sister, Janet (Postma), her three sons, Joe (Kim), Greg (Becky), and Jay (Jennifer); grandchildren Jordan (Caitlyn) VanderVeen, Lindsey (Steven) Hart, Cole (Courtney) VanderVeen, Noah (Josie) VanderVeen, Jacob (Arianna) VanderVeen, Emily (Noah) Bailey, and Ben VanderVeen; and great-grandchildren Liam, Zoë, Vern, Jameson, Bekah, and Rilee; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and others.
Carole was preceded in death by her parents Bob and Ella (VanderSchuur) Hoover, and her sister Merry (Bass).
A service will be held at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City at 4:00 PM on October 13, 2023. The family will welcome the public for a time of visitation from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. An online guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com to share condolences, memories, and pictures of Carole.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Compassus Care in Tawas City.
