Carolyn Sue McVicker's Obituary
Carolyn Sue McVicker age 69 of Fountain passed away on March 27, 2026. Born in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Walter and Evelyn Urban, Carolyn arrived in a hurry on April Fool’s Day in 1956, just before tornados devastated the area.
Sweet Carolyn married Steve McVicker on August 8, 2009. Holding hands throughout their seventeen years together, Carolyn and Steve lived and loved each moment, ready for the next adventure.
Carolyn graduated from Mason County Eastern High School with High Honors in 1974 and was a proud 1978 graduate of Michigan State University. She began her career with Reynolds Aluminum in Minneapolis and Texas, then for William Plante Photography in Detroit, before working as an Interior Designer in California. When Carolyn decided to move back to Michigan, she joined the family business, Flowers by Lorraine, as well as at Russ Miller Studio where she gained membership in the Professional Photographers of America in 1989. Close to Carolyn’s heart was the time she spent as a nanny for her three baby Panetta nephews. She shares a special bond with Chandler Pannetta, her godson.
Carolyn finished her career at West Shore Community College Rec Center, which became her favorite job for 19 years. Interacting with the local community and working with close-knit colleagues, Carolyn’s creativity shone in the monthly birthday boards, eagerly anticipated by members of the WSCC wellness family.
Carolyn loved the sun, spending time in her flower gardens, camping with Steve, and just rambling—a few days here, a few days there, usually in the sunshine. Trips away included Hawaii, the Caribbean Islands, Florida, Arizona, and anywhere there were palm trees.
Creativity was in Carolyn’s genes. Her sewing skills were well-known as she altered wedding, prom and bridesmaids’ gowns, and created window treatments. Carolyn was the wind beneath the wings for her mother, photographing family events for years so Evelyn could create yearly photo books for her 11 grandchildren (Carolyn’s nieces and nephews). Carolyn had a flair for home décor, designing a timeless space with the colors of nature for the home she and Steve shared.
Carolyn’s greatest gift was the loving care she and Steve bestowed upon her parents. Every need was met with compassion, love and patience. No love is greater than honoring one’s parents. Carolyn received the same gift from her husband as he gently met all her needs with grace, kindness and deep love.
Carolyn will be lovingly missed by her husband Steve; her parents-in-law Mervin and Donna McVicker; her stepchildren Adam and Sheryl McVicker, and Heather and Chris Vanderhaag and their children Jack and Cole; Steve’s siblings Kevin (Deb) McVicker, Todd McVicker, Drew (Bobbi) McVicker; and many nieces and nephews.
Carolyn will leave a hole in the hearts of her siblings Lorraine (Ken) Baushke, Thomas (Renee) Urban, Lawrence (Sherrie) Urban, and Suzanne (Robert) Panetta; her 11 nieces and nephews, and 11 great nieces and nephews.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Evelyn Urban; her nephew Brandon McVicker, and infant nephew Matthew Urban.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Carolyn at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 11 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer with visitation with her family beginning at 10:00 am until time of services all at the church.
Those who would like to remember Carolyn with a memorial donation are asked to please consider St. Mary’s Church, Corewell Health Hospice, or Caritas Food Panty where Carolyn and Steve volunteered their time.
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