Carol Bennett-McGeorge

Carol Bennett-McGeorge (Taylor) passed away quietly at home on January 10, 2019, at the age of 76. She was preceded in death by her husband, John McGeorge. Born June 15, 1942 in Carson City, MI, she grew up with her parents, Garnet (Pouch) and James Taylor, and her brothers Jim and Bill, in Boyne City, MI. Except for leaving to go to nursing school at Borgess and working for a time in metro Detroit as an emergency room nurse, she made Boyne her home until her death. She continued her career first as the nurse manager of the renal dialysis unit at NMH, then as a hospice nurse, and finally retired from the Organ Procurement Center of Michigan (Gift of Life).

Carol’s time away from Boyne shaped who she became as an adult. From living with the nuns at nursing school, and the shenanigans she got into with her life-long great friend Donna Pakledinaz, to the experiences of an urban ER, she developed a wicked sense of humor and a level of compassion and empathy unsurpassed by most. She always said that her one goal in life was to be a mother, and at that she excelled. She is survived by her two daughters, Micki (Joe) McHugh and Tami (Curt Holley) Mullett. She was the type of mom who opened her home to all of her kids’ friends, to the point that Steve Ketchman really should be considered her son by another mother. Her home was always filled with laughter -- sometimes maniacal, voices raised at the television while MSU games were on, Super Bowl parties, and, of course, her cats. She emphatically embraced her “Crazy Cat Lady” status, to the point of once making her cat, Fluffer’s, plate of food before serving the family.

Later in life, Carol found what she loved even more than being a mom: being Grandma! Between Micki and Tami, she is survived by nine grandchildren. Katie, Molli, Lizzi, Maggi, Joey and Bridget McHugh, and Sydney, Tommy and Elliot Mullett always knew they had an ally, friend, confidant, and a welcoming lap. She loved every stage of their development, and prided herself on what they achieved and the lives they will lead.

Carol lived her life surrounded by an amazing group of friends and, later, special care givers (Sue, Lucy, Rachel and Mary). After she was paralyzed, she didn’t want to slow down, but she did have to learn to accept help. Kathy and Cal Harris, Denny and Diane Deschryver, John and Joni Czarnecki, and Brian and Jean Mandeville all filled her life with absolute joy and humor. They also deserve a special thank you for all of their help (and driving!!) as she needed more support. Then there’s her much beloved Kevin Hocquard. Kevin (along with Frank Shaler) not only oversaw the rehabbing of her house to make it handicap accessible, he was also her slightly beleaguered handy man who would have to come fix all of the dings and scrapes she’d make on the walls and doorways while trying to master her motorized wheelchair.

If you’re ever wandering through the Boyne City cemetery, and stumble across the headstone with Sparty emblazoned on the back, stop and say hi to Carol. She always enjoyed a good visit. Just make sure to give her updates on her beloved Spartans.

In lieu of flowers, Carol would appreciate donations to St. Matthew’s Church or the Charlevoix County Humane Society. She loved her church community, and was active in many of its functions...and we all know she loved her cats.

Visitation will occur Friday January 18, 2019 from 5-8 (rosary at 7:30) at St.Matthew’s Church in Boyne City. A funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Saturday January 19, 2019 at the church.

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