Carole J. Chamberlain Obituary (1937 - 2024)

Carole June (DeGraaf) Chamberlain, age 86, of Kentwood, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family at her home on Monday, September 23, 2024. She was born October 25, 1937, in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Abraham and Hazel (Rusche) DeGraaf. Carole graduated from Creston High School with the class of 1955. She was married to Austen W. Chamberlain from 1960 until their divorce in 1982. She loved her family, travel, volunteering, books, riding her bike, and crossword puzzles. She was a strong advocate for her disabled son David, whom she cared lovingly for at home for 50 years; until she was no longer physically able to. Her kindness touched the lives of many. She is survived by her children, David Chamberlain, Kathleen Collins (James), and Brian Chamberlain; her step-children Stephen Chamberlain (Mary Beth) and Greg Chamberlain (Marrilee); siblings Marilyn Kimberlin and Dan DeGraaf, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Abraham and Hazel DeGraaf, brother James DeGraaf, and nephew Jim VanderWoud. Per her wishes cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held. A family memorial will be held at a later date. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Corewell Health Hospice for the help, care, and compassion they showed throughout the last days of Carole’s life. The family requests those wishing to express sympathy to consider making a donation in Carole’s honor to David’s House Ministries in Wyoming, MI. (click the link below to donate online) To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Carole’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.