Carolyn Mae Harper, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2016 after a brief illness at the age of 85. She was a resident of Samaritas Senior Living of Grand Rapids. Born on December 22, 1931 in Chicago.

Carolyn received her Physical Therapy degree from the University of Michigan in the Spring of 1954 and married Thomas A. Harper of Grand Rapids that June. They were married 59 years. She practiced as a physical therapist for more than 35 years working at Blodgett Memorial Hospital and Sunshine/Kent Community Hospital (both now Spectrum Health). Carolyn ended her career as a therapist working at Ken-O-Sha Diagnostic Center, Kent Intermediate School District. In her later years, she ran several antique businesses and became a distributor for D.R. Dimes reproduction furniture.

Surviving are her children, Thomas, Susan and Carrie Harper; granddaughters, Sadie and Emma McClelland; and brother, Charles Loughlin.

Carolyn will be greatly missed by family and friends for her faith, good humor and positive spirit. The family requests that any desire for donations in Carolyn’s memory be made to Degage Ministries, 144 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids.

A Memorial Service will be held at Samaritas Senior Living Chapel, 2000 32nd Street SE, Grand Rapids (off Breton), on Saturday, February 18th at 4:30 pm. If you need to reach the family, contact Carrie Harper at 413-429-1896.

Honoring her wishes, cremation will take place. Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.