Date of Death: October 13, 2021
Service Details
The family would like to invite everyone to a celebration of Carole’s life on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo.
Obituary Notice
Carole Ann (Brewer) Hallgren left this world due to respiratory failure on October 13, 2021 in her summer hometown of Hartford, Michigan, after being a Florida resident for more than 20 years. She was born 79 years ago in Rives, Missouri, the third of six children to Jesse and Faye (Loveless) Brewer. Her parents moved the family to Lacota/Grand Junction, MI where they established roots. She married Ronald Foster in May of 1963, and they lived in Kalamazoo, raising their three children; Ronnie Foster, Stephanie (Ric) Sampson & Julie (Brian Wood) Walters.
Carole also leaves behind four stepchildren; Linda (Vere) Shindledecker; Steve (Debbie) Hallgren; Mike (Jill) Hallgren; Eric (Beth) Hallgren; her four siblings; Wayne (Sandy) Brewer; Gail (Karl) Millard; Allen Brewer; Nina (Mark) Shapton as well as 21 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Carole was preceded in death by her parents; Jesse & Faye Brewer; her infant brother; James Dale Brewer; and as of June 1, 2014; her second husband of 15 years; Roger Hallgren.
A 1960 graduate of Bangor High School, Carole participated in Cheerleading, Baton Twirling, Yearbook Staff and was voted Homecoming Queen. She recently attended her 61st class reunion which she regularly helped to plan. She furthered her education in Benton Harbor, obtaining a cosmetology license. She worked as a Beautician in Kalamazoo until her career ended abruptly in Dec. of 1975 in a near fatal shooting during a hold-up at Mr. Robert’s Styling Studio. Despite Carole’s injuries and limitations, she lived each day with a positive attitude, laced with humor, wit and a beautiful smile. She filled her time by volunteering at the Borgess Service League, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra League and attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting activities. She became a Kalamazoo Parliamentarian, played league tennis at West Hills Tennis Club and later played in many golf leagues in Michigan and Florida. She was a devoted mother and dedicated at least one day a week at Stephanie and Julie’s homes to spend time with her grandchildren where she passed on her passion for baking and playing boardgames and cards. After moving to Florida, she spent time with her son, Ronnie dining out for an occasional Sunday meal.
She loved being a resident of Florida where she had a large circle of friends. Carole loved to entertain and her guestroom was usually occupied by friends and family. She was particularly close with her stepdaughter, Linda and son-in-law, Vere who visited her Florida residence regularly. They came over daily to her summer home in Hartford to play dominoes and often brought her groceries & necessities. Carole and Roger hosted an annual St. Patrick’s Day party which everyone looked forward to. They enjoyed golfing together at the many nearby courses. Carole also had a passion for many card games as well as jigsaw and crossword puzzles. She was nicknamed “Ruby” by her friends with whom she played table shuffleboard, trivia and dominoes. Her friends described her as having an upbeat personality with a combination of social grace, beauty, kindness and a privilege to know her and call her a friend. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
Additional Information
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Centrica Care Navigators. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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A lovely and beautiful lady! Holding the entire family in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless!
Tonya
Dearest Miss Nina & Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
May your memories comfort you during this difficult time.
David & Denise Miller
My sincere condolences to you, Stephanie and your family, during this difficult time. May God surround you with His love, peace and comfort. Judy Gilchrist-Mohney, Stayton, OR.
How blessed we were when Carol married our dear friend, Roger. This beautiful girl who resembled Lana Turner, was beautiful inside and out. So many fond, fun memories: Our Tuesday night Gala-T group (sometimes at their house for her delicious dessert afterwards); her interaction with Roger’s other old friends (i.e. Muriel O’Leary’s funeral and our subsequent lunch with Bob O’Leary ); picking blueberries with those speedy Grand Junction girls, Carol and Gail; and very special time with them at their place in Florida. Fred loved her!
I just found out of Aunt Carol’s passing. Our condolences to Ronnie. Julie, Stephanie and of the lives that Aunt Carol touched know she’s up in heaven with, my mom, dad, Uncle Tom, Aunt Phil and the rest playing Bridge
Dear Stephanie and family,
Our condolences to you and the family on the loss of your mother and their grandmother.
How fortunate were you all to have her in your life for so long.
May she Rest In Peace and your memories sustain you at this difficult time.♥️
Dear Linda and family, my sincere condolences on the loss of dear Carol. I remember her as a lovely, sweet lady always close to her husband Roger. My last image of them.. May they Rest In Peace 😇🙌. Thinking of all of you, Linda, Veer, hugs and love to you and family.