Carol Ann Brown, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024, at her home in Fennville, Michigan, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on June 30, 1945, in Toronto, Ontario, to the late Norman and Margaret (Metzger) Brown, Carol’s life was a testament to her loving, adventurous, and creative spirit.
Carol’s educational journey was both rigorous and remarkable. She attended Michigan Technological University, where she earned a Bachelor’s and then a Master’s degree in Rhetoric and Technical Communication. Her passion for learning propelled her to become a PhD candidate, where she completed all course work and oral examinations. Carol’s intellect and mastery of language served her well as a Technical Writer, where she documented software for major corporations. She was known for her clarity of expression and meticulous attention to detail.
Carol joined with Daniel McGavin in 1992 as partner and spouse. Together they embarked on a life filled with love and adventure. Carol became a talented oil painter, working on oil paintings with the help of Jim Brandess, Chris Burlini and other local artists. Her artwork reflected her inner beauty and her ability to see the world through a lens of wonder and appreciation.
After her retirement, Carol co-founded and developed the Summerhouse Lavender Farm in Saugatuck Township, an adventure of love, passion and hard work. Carol learned to grow lavender, store it, create products made from lavender, host lavender bloom festivals, all the while learning how to grow and maintain a successful retail business at the farm.
Carol’s bright smile was a gift to everyone. Carol fully embraced the Saugatuck/Douglas community, the Ox-bow School of Art, and the many beloved friends at the Douglas United Church of Christ. She especially loved to share stories with her sisters, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Daniel McGavin; her loving children, Matthew (Tammy) Tolliver, Jennifer (Joe) Gould, Christine (Jeff) Krause, Jennifer Reinik McGavin (Chad), Sean (Lily) McGavin, and Emily (Eric) Truax; her dear sisters, Barbara (Eric) Pahlke, Janet (Michael) Brown, and Doris Brown; and her adored 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Carol was predeceased by her parents and her brother-in-law, Bob Swierk. Her legacy lives on through the lives of her family, who will continue to be inspired by her creative and adventurous approach to life.
While we will miss Carol’s physical presence, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit remains alive in the beauty of a well-crafted phrase, the vibrant colors of an oil painting, and the laughter of family and friends enjoying the lavender fields. Carol Ann Brown leaves a legacy of love, adventure, and creativity will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who loved her.
Services celebrating Carol Brown’s life will take place on April 26 at 1:00pm at Douglas United Church of Christ in Dougas Michigan. Contributions in Carol’s memory can be made to Christian Neighbors of Douglas Michigan.
