Caroline Christine Lanspeary

Caroline Christine Lanspeary, adoring mother and "NanaÃ¢â‚¬Â , beloved sister, and devoted friend, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday morning, August 25, 2016, after a long, well-fought battle with COPD. She was 67 years old. Caroline was born in Alpena on June 4, 1949 to J. Nelson and Marvis (McDougall) Potvin, the second child of six. She grew up in a loving home in Alpena with her four sisters and one brother, before moving to Cadillac in 1964, and graduating from Cadillac High School in 1967. Following High School, Caroline attended Ferris State University and in 1975 moved to Livonia where she lived and raised her family for thirty-five years. She worked in Livonia Public Schools as a paraprofessional for ten years, working primarily with kids who had experienced difficult times and needed a kind, patient, and warm soul to believe in them. As her faith was also very important to her, she taught Religious Education in the Catholic Church for over 30 years, beginning at St. Gerald of Farmington and continued at St. Ann following her move back to Cadillac in 2010. Since 2011, Caroline has lived at Harbor View Apartments where she quickly made many new friends, enjoyed her retirement, and spent her last years surrounded by her relatives in Cadillac who cared for and loved her deeply. Among her many interests, Caroline was an avid reader, excellent cook and baker, loved the theater, and had a knack for telling and writing creative stories. Throughout her entire life, Caroline's family was her priority. She is survived by her five children: Mark Riley (Margaret), Patrick Boyd, William (Lara) Lanspeary, Michael Lanspeary, and Katy Lanspeary (Brandon Gregory); five grandchildren: Tyler, Ella, Chloe, Grace, and Grayson; four siblings: Luanne (Pete) Brennan, Peggy (Lee) Jones, Bill (Corky) Potvin, and Katie (Tom) Montague; and her Aunt Mariette Potvin. She is preceded in death by both her mother and father, as well as her sister, Julie Potvin-Vandercook. Caroline was a caring, gracious, and loving woman who opened her heart to anyone and everyone. She will be greatly missed. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, September 2, 2016 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac with Msgr. Fr. Francis J. Murphy as celebrant. Friends may meet the family at the Peterson Funeral and Cremation Services in Cadillac on Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 5-8 PM with the Rosary being prayed at 7:30 PM. Burial will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Cadillac. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, St. Ann Education Fund, or the After 26 Depot. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Caroline Christine Lanspeary

June 4, 1949 - August 25, 2016