Carole Anne Bunn

Feisty, independent, loving, and kind, Carole Anne Bunn lived a life rich in family and friends. A woman who always led with her heart, Carole embraced each day as a gift and every person as a friend. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her was drawn in by her warm smile, infectious laugh, wonderful personality, and positive outlook. Carole had a great sense of humor and loved to converse. No subject was off limits; she never shied away from any topic. A devoted nurse, mother, and grandmother, Carole wore each badge proudly. Though family was most important, her patients felt her sincere care and dedication to their well-being. Carole's love and devotion will long inspire those she so dearly loved.

Despite the obvious gloom of the growing conflict in Europe, 1938 held much to celebrate, including the end of the Great Depression, Seabiscuit's historic win, and Superman's first appearance. As the U.S. actively armed up for war, families continued to center their lives on love and hope for a brighter future. Nowhere was that hope more evident than in the hearts of Chester and Lillian (Rybiski) Wybranowski as they welcomed their daughter Carole to their family on December 18 in the upstairs of the family home on Valley Ave on the west side of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The oldest of three girls, Carole spent part of her growing-up years on Gunnison, NW. The family explored and celebrated their faith as members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, where Carole attended church and elementary school. Carole went to Catholic Central High School and started working at Michigan Bell as an operator.

While in high school, Carole met George Bunn, who attended Union High School. They began dating and, in time, set their hearts on building a future together. The happy couple married in 1958, and Carole returned to California with George, where she lived while he finished his service with the United States Marines.

Once Carole and George returned to Grand Rapids, their family grew to include four children over the next seven years. The family made their home in the same house on Valley Ave where Carole grew up. Robin, Cathy, Karen, and George Jr. were the centers of Carole's world, and she dedicated herself to creating a loving and supportive home for them.

In 1970, the family moved to their longtime home on O'Brien Road, where Carole would live for the rest of her life. In time, Carole and George put a pool in the backyard, making the home a frequent gathering spot for others. Carole was a very good cook and showed her love by providing delicious meals. Her guests were always well-fed, and she usually planned for enough leftovers to send home with her kids when they were older. Many of her best meals centered on Polish recipes, but her city chicken and canned pickles were favorites, too. As a mom, she was willing to discipline when necessary and was known to wave the hairbrush to show she was serious.

In addition to tending to her family, when the kids were young, Carole enjoyed getting out of the house to bowl with a league at Westgate Bowling. A natural artist who especially enjoyed painting and drawing, Carole attended Kendall College of Design. Her passion for art continued throughout her life, and those closest to her quickly learned not to interrupt her when the light was just right.

When George Jr. required specialized healthcare, Carole became very interested in the field. She skillfully became his caregiver and advocate, ensuring he had the support he needed for many years. With that purpose in mind, she returned to school and soon graduated from Grand Rapids Junior College in 1976 as a proud Registered Nurse.

Throughout life, Carole freely gave medical advice whether you wanted to hear it or not and would add: "I know what I am talking about. I am a nurse. Once a nurse, always a nurse." She worked at Butterworth Hospital for a time before spending most of her career at St. Mary's Hospital, first in the ICU and then many years in the Emergency Department. In retirement, she helped Catherine's Health Center get up and running, taking a personal interest in the patients and going above and beyond the basics to get them the care they deserved. Carole cared deeply for people. Whether family or someone in her care at the hospital, everyone deserved her best. It is no wonder she inspired nieces and a great-niece to enter nursing and was so proud to be able to pin the nursing pin on her granddaughters, Jodi and Amanda, in 2023; she stole the graduation ceremony with her legendary sass and sense of humor.

When her marriage ended after about 25 years, Carole pressed on with her signature feisty, spunky, independent nature. She enjoyed the simple things, like playing Bingo, taking trips to the casino, and watching Lawrence Welk and the Golden Girls on TV. Carole's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her heart's delight. She relished every visit, whether swimming in the pool or sharing a conversation; every moment was a treasure. As she grew older and had health limitations, she made sure to show her appreciation for her family, who made time to stop over, visit, and usually bring a meal. Sadly, Carole fell at home a couple of days ago and, after a short stay in the hospital, passed away.

As we gather to celebrate Carole's beautiful life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories and in the honor of carrying her loving legacy forward. In each moment we generously give of our time and talents in service of others, fix a love-infused meal, greet the day with a smile, cherish time with loved ones, and share a meaningful conversation, we keep Carole's fearless spirit alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Carole Anne Bunn (Wybranowski), age 85 of Walker, passed away October 3, 2024, surrounded by her family. Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Chester & Lillian Wybranowski; sister, Gloria Karasiewicz; brother-in-law, Richard Friedl; and grandson, Travis Bielecki, who all welcomed her with open arms. She was also preceded in death by her former husband, George Bunn Sr.

Carole is survived by her children, Robin Bunn, Cathy Bielecki (Howard Parks), Karen (John) Sanford, and George Bunn Jr.; grandchildren (and great-grandchildren): Amanda & Mike Knapp (Josephine, Mariam), Jodi & Mirsad Causevic (Amilija, Alijana), Tyler Bielecki (Skylar, Zoey), Howard Parks Jr, Carmen Parks & Marcus, Sara Shanah (Jamal), Krista Parks (Boston, Roman), Erica & Milo Austin (Noa); sister, Sharon Elaine Friedl; brother-in-law Roy Karasiewicz; several nieces and nephews; and her very special friend and best buddy, Linda Detz, whom she first met working in the St. Mary’s Hospital ER.

Her family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Corewell Health Butterworth Emergency ER and ICU for their help and support in the last days.

A service to remember and celebrate Carole’s life will be held on Friday , October 11 2024 at 8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, where friends are invited to visit with her family beginning at 6 PM. For those who wish, memorial donations to either the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association are appreciated. To read more about Carole, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com