Carolyn Ann Grin

Carolyn Ann (Pett) Grin, a long-time resident of East Grand Rapids and Harbor Springs, passed away unexpectedly on September 20th, 2023 at the age of 79. Carolyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and compassionate friend to many. She was an avid reader, political historian, social activist, and humanitarian.

Born to Martin and Mabel Pett of Bay City, Michigan, Carolyn was a member of the 1962 class of Bay City Central High School. She earned additional academic degrees from Vassar College (‘66) and The University of Michigan (‘68). She also completed her Doctoral coursework at the University of Iowa before starting a family with her husband, Oliver Grin.

In addition to raising a family, Carolyn was a professor at Grand Rapids Community College for over 30 years. Outside of her career, she was active with the local chapter of the YWCA and an early supporter of the YWCA Domestic Crisis Center. Carolyn was a member of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, a participant in the Great Decisions Lecture Series, and an active supporter of Planned Parenthood of Michigan, as well as the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan. As a proud alumna of Vassar College, Carolyn was active in the Vassar Club and presented the Vassar College Book Award in West Michigan for many years.

In her retirement, Carolyn was an active member of multiple bridge groups in Harbor Springs, MI and Naples, FL. She enjoyed participating in “Fun Bridge”, where “table talk” and “do-overs” were always encouraged. She most enjoyed hosting family and friends at her residences in Harbor Springs and Naples. Her top priority was to entertain and feed everyone before even thinking of herself. Carolyn was an excellent cook. She could prepare crowd-pleasing meals with ease, whether it be for dinner parties, family suppers, or feeding Ollie’s sailboat crew with her famous Chicken-Go-Fast. 

The annual highlight for Carolyn was hosting Thanksgiving. She welcomed groups as large as 50 into her home, making sure all had a delicious home cooked meal. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday, and there was always room for anyone who needed a place to be. Carolyn’s Thanksgiving celebrations became a tradition for countless family members and friends over the years.

Carolyn’s passionate interest in politics spanned from historical biographies to current events. Her television and radio were always tuned to MSNBC, never missing a chance to listen to Rachel Maddow on Mondays. Leaving the station tuned to any other channel was about the only thing that could get you “in trouble” with grandma. Above all, Carolyn was a loving and caring mother and grandmother. She loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally and was the first to forgive any transgressions. Carolyn was the glue that brought everyone together, and the traditions she instilled in her family will be lasting memories for all.

Carolyn is survived by her three children: Martin (Erin), Oliver (Lora), and Hulda (Kyle) Black, and her eight grandchildren: Caroline, Elizabeth, Catherine, Emily, Oliver, J.W., Titus, and Lila. Surviving siblings are Paul (Barb) Pett and Corinne DeGrief, along with many nieces and nephews.  Preceding her in death was her husband of 53 years, Oliver D.W. Grin, her parents Martin and Mabel Pett, and brother William Pett.  

A visitation and service will be held on Saturday, September 30th at Mayflower Congregational Church, 2345 Robinson Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. The visitation will begin at 10 am, followed by a service at Noon. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Women's Resource Center of Northern Michigan in Petoskey, MI or Little Traverse Sailors in Harbor Springs, MI.

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