Carolyn Caugh

Carolyn Kay (Schecter) Caugh, caring wife and mother, lifelong learner, lake enthusiast, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, at the age of 81.

Carolyn was born on March 5, 1944, in Whitehall, Michigan, the third of four children of Charles Walter Schecter and Jeanette Evelyn Nielson. Raised in the lakeside towns of Whitehall and North Muskegon, she grew up with a deep love for the outdoors and Lake Michigan—a place that shaped her spirit and remained her sanctuary throughout her life.

After graduating from high school, Carolyn attended the Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids, where she studied interior design. There, she met the love of her life, Gerry Caugh. Ten months later, they married and began a life together filled with adventure, love, and meaningful friendships. The couple spent their early years in North Carolina and Virginia, where Carolyn balanced life with three active young sons—Kurt, Eric, and Craig—and her interests, including tennis, photography, and time spent with many neighbors who became lifelong friends.

In 1981, Carolyn and Gerry moved the family to Northern Michigan, settling in Benzie County. It was there that Carolyn found what she lovingly called the family's "psychological home,” where life was marked by the warmth and hospitality of Sunday “do’s” with close friends, the rhythm of the seasons, and the boys’ many activities.

Always intellectually curious, Carolyn continued taking classes throughout her life—from accounting to medical topics—eventually shifting into roles in medical offices that matched her fascination with health and healing.

Carolyn's devotions were many, but none were more enduring than her love of her grandkids, whose company she enjoyed as often as she could. Second only to her love of family was her passion for Lake Michigan. Whether searching for stones or just sitting quietly on the beach, she found peace in the presence of water. She also enjoyed reading and sharing what she learned, always ready with a recommendation or a clipping. She nurtured those she loved through food—her banana bread, pumpkin bars, and chocolate pound cake were family legends—and never passed a brownie pan without sneaking a bite. Her favorite indulgence, though, was a slice of homemade bread fresh from the oven.

In recent years, Carolyn and Gerry moved to Cordia at Grand Traverse Commons, where they found a vibrant and welcoming community. Carolyn enjoyed movie nights, writing classes, and engaging conversations over leisurely meals.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Carlotta, and her husband Gerry. Carolyn is survived by her children and grandchildren: Kurt and Ann (Connor and Parker), Eric and Sara (Lauren and Patrick), and Craig and Kayce (Kass and Kristin). She is also survived by siblings Chuck Schecter (Judy) and Sally McGoran (Jerry), brother-in-law George Hutch, brother-in-law Terry Caugh (Iz) and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A private celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a book you love with someone you care about or enjoy a quiet moment by the water in her memory. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.