Carole Ann Hedstrom, of Niles

Published 10:04 am Wednesday, January 20, 2016

June 25, 1942 — Jan. 18, 2016

Carole Ann Hedstrom, 73, of Niles, Michigan died with peace and grace, and with her family gathered around at 4:25 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at her home following an extended illness.

Carole Ann Hedstrom

She was born on June 25, 1942, in Niles to Frederick Norman and Pauline Louise (Eycleshymer) Wadel. She was graduated from Niles High School in 1960, and completed nurse’s training in Chicago. She was employed for several years as a surgical technician at the former Pawating Hospital (now Lakeland) in Niles. She continued her education, earning credentials in Accounting, Real Estate, and Interior Design and taking employment in each field.

Carole was formerly married to Roland Hedstrom, and had followed his career to live in Belgium for four years, and later lived for four years in South Africa. She had also lived in Buchanan, Michigan before returning to Niles, and once spent four months at sea, helping a friend bring a wooden sail boat from Saint Barthélemy Island — “Saint Barts” — to Saint Joseph, Michigan via the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

She was an active volunteer and pottery artist at the Buchanan Art Center. She also volunteered at the Buchanan Farmers Market, and regularly attended theater productions at both the Tin Shop Theatre in Buchanan and the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend, Indiana. She enjoyed both vegetable and flower gardening, but her greatest joy was her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her brothers, Robert L. Wadel and Frederick L. Wadel.

Her kindness and grace is reflected in the legacy of love that follows her. Surviving family includes her children, John (Nakia) Hedstrom of New Troy, Michigan, Christy (Travis) Perjak of Waterford, Michigan, and Britt Marie (Alex) Kubisiak of Niles; grandchildren Jacob, Hannah, and Becca Hedstrom, and Joey and Devin Perjak; several nieces and nephews; and a friend and companion, Roger Tracey of Niles.

The memorial service for Carole Ann Hedstrom will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, at the Buchanan Art Center with the Rev. Janet Van Lear of Buchanan officiating.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday at the Art Center beginning at 2 p.m.

Contributions in memory of Carole may be made to the Scarecrow Ladies at the Art Center. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com