Mae C. Caron
March 29, 1913 - August 27, 2010

Mae C. Caron, 97, passed away peacefully at Autumn Joy A.F.C., the home owned by her son John Caron and partner, Jeff Prell. Mae was the first resident there in 2003.

She was born on South Manitou Island on March 29, 1913, the daughter of light house keeper John Tobin and his wife Lottie Hutzler who was post-mistress for many years. Her early life growing up on the island held many fond memories for her and she never tired telling stories of these times to her family and friends.

On May 11, 1931 she married Francis Caron, a Coast Guardsman stationed on the island. Their early years were spent at posts on South Manitou, Sleeping Bear, Frankfort, and eventually Mackinaw Island, in 1948 Mae moved with the children to Petoskey while Francis continued his career in the Coast Guard.

Mae had great love for her family and leaves behind Bonnie (Clancy) Bellmer of Petoskey, Roger and Jean Caron of California, Donna (Don) Phillips of Dewitt/Brooksville, John and Jeff of Charlevoix. There are also nine grandsons, one granddaughter, four great-granddaughters and four great-grandsons. She is also survived by one sister Dorothy (Wayne) Hubble of Traverse City, one brother George Tobin of Florida, and special cousins Dale Hutzler of Boyne City and Edith Bates of New Buffalo. She was preceded in death by her husband Francis and two infant sons, Douglas and Jerry.

Mae’s life was celebrated on Monday, August 30, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. with a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery, family and friends gathered for a visitation at Stone Funeral Home prior to the service.

"Mother, we love you and want to thank you for loving us so freely for so long."