Obituary of Carolyn Edith Duchenne
Carolyn Edith Ott was born on September 19, 1944 in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of two children born to the union of Russell and Edith (Zorn) Ott. She was a 1962 graduate of Monroe High School.
Carolyn began working as a Teacher’s Aide at Christiancy Elementary School in 1977 and Secretary at South Monroe Townsite Elementary School until becoming an Executive Secretary at the Monroe Public Schools Administration Building in 1981, where she would remain until retiring in 2005 after twenty-four years of employment.
Carolyn had a quirky sense of humor and could charm anyone with her quick wit. She could often be found pushing a shopping cart around her favorite store, Meijer, looking for anyone to strike up a conversation with. She also enjoyed her quiet time, sitting on her patio in the sun, reading and sipping on her favorite beverage, Coca-Cola.
Carolyn had a strict routine when it came to her television programs and everyone knew not to interrupt her during Hank, Chicago P.D., or The Chew, and especially not during ABC World News Tonight with the dreamy David Muir. She held elaborate garage sales every Summer, with each category of item having its own department. Carolyn’s “green thumb” was evident to anyone who passed her beautifully landscaped yard. She even kept a cactus alive for more than forty years!
As a young girl, Carolyn’s parents would take the family on an annual trip Up North to Au-She-Gun Resort on Lake Leelanau in Traverse City, Michigan and she continued this tradition with her children and grandchildren. Carolyn loved to go fishing and would be out on the lake casting her rod from sunrise to sunset, long after everyone else had gone in. She was an active Girl Scout leader and loved to share camp songs, especially “Weenie Man” and “You Are My Sunshine”, which she sung to her daughter every morning.
Carolyn Edith Duchenne, age 76, of Monroe, Michigan passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 23, 2021. Her passing was preceded by her parents, former husband: Roger Duchenne; and son: Sean Duchenne.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her son: James (Tammy) Duchenne; daughters: Holly Casto and Kristin (Rich) Turner; brother: Russell (Beverly) Ott; grandchildren: McKenna Duchenne, Brandon Johnson, Caitlyn Casto, Michael Duchenne, and Nicholas Johnson; special “neighbor”: Michelle; and grand dog: Bella, whom she lovingly referred to as “My Girl”.
Friends may gather on Friday, May 28, 2021 from 3:00pm–7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will begin at 7:00pm also at Merkle.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Monroe County Humane Society or ASPCA in honor of Carolyn’s love for animals. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a share a photo by www.merklefs.com.