With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Carol Ann Firlik, who went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Carol was the loving mother of Jennifer (and her husband Jaeha Yoo), Rebecca (and her husband Sam Wahl), and Matthew, and the proud grandmother to Juno Yoo, and grand-dogs George and Chuck. She is survived by her brother Jerry and sister-in-law Patty. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Donald Firlik.

Carol was born on September 13, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to parents Florence and Jerome. Known by her nickname "Charlie", she worked at a Cincinnati radio and TV station, and would beam when sharing the story of watching a young George Clooney while his mom Rosemary was interviewed on-air.

Carol met her husband Don in 1971 and quickly found a lifelong connection. Together, they enjoyed many journeys — traveling around the US in their Airstream trailer, and as business partners in real estate sales and running a Radio Shack — before settling in Grand Rapids to raise their family.

Carol was a very creative and avid crafter, passing on her love of a good project to her kids. She joyfully shared her work with others, from stained glass, needlepoint, knitting, and embroidered projects, to her infamous Christmas wreath pins made from green puzzle pieces. And she loved connecting with and supporting others in the craft world, both helping to organize and participating in craft shows throughout Michigan.

Carol also had a passion for antiques, enjoying the hunt for treasures. She ran a small antiques business in her retirement years, developing a keen eye for antique glassware, silver, and most notably linens, from which she coined her online username, "Dame Linen".

Her reverence for the past showed in her love of historical biographies, nature, and archeology. She loved recommending books and sharing magazine articles, often from her prized monthly National Geographic. Whenever asked a "what if" question about going back to school, she'd quickly say "I'd like to be an archeologist, searching ruins in Mexico."

Carol was warm, open, and sparkly. She enjoyed a good caramel macchiato or a glass of sangria. Her greatest love though was being a mom to her own kids and others in the community. Carol worked in the front office of the East Grand Rapids High School for 15 years, and enjoyed listening, encouraging, and supporting all who came by her desk. She'd brighten when talking of students she'd met and helped, and she loved learning of their accomplishments later in life.

Please join Carol's family for a visitation at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE) on Monday, March 24, from 4-7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (1935 Plymouth Ave. SE) on Tuesday, March 25, 10:00 am (visitation from 9-10 am) with Rev. Troy A. Nevins as celebrant.

Carol was invested in her community and loved volunteering her time. One of her most favorite organizations was the East Grand Rapids Friends of the Library. She served on the Library board for many years, helping to organize annual book sales and fundraisers. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests a memorial contribution may be made to the East Grand Rapids Friends of the Library ( friendsoftheegrlibrary.org )