of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Plymouth, a woman of immense love, wisdom, and compassion left this world on January 28, 2024, after 101 years of spreading her love and joy of life to everyone around her. She was born November 11, 1922, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Albe and Ida Christine (Scholberg) Salmonson.
Carol graduated from Dearborn High School in 1940, acquiring a thirst for knowledge and learning that lead her to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Library Science in 1946 from Michigan State Normal College (now EMU) and a Master’s Degree in Reading at age 60!! She worked as a Switchboard operator during WWII to pay for college, and after graduation worked as a librarian in Port Huron High School for 1 year. She was a librarian at Plymouth High Schools and the University of Michigan, and taught English as a Second Language as part of a Community Education Program. She loved to travel with family and friends and was able to travel around the world including visiting 40 states here in the United States. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Dixboro, Plymouth, and Chelsea over the course of her life.
Hebrews 13:2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” was displayed at the entrance to all of her homes and was lived out by her actions throughout her life. A framed saying: “When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind” was displayed in her apartment as a reminder to all of us who loved her so dearly.
On August 23, 1947, Carol married Hoyt D. Mills in Dearborn, Michigan. He preceded her in death on May 8, 2003. She is survived by sons, Don (Sue) Mills of Madison, Mississippi, and Paul (Maribeth)
Mills of Altoona, Pennsylvania; daughters, Maribeth (CJ Mantz) Mills of Afton, Virginia, Jane Mills of Palm Springs, California, and Susan (Michael) Gabler of San Jose, California; son-in-law, Tom Fahlstrom of Ypsilanti; sister, Sally Warner of Traverse City; 11 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Ann Fahlstrom; and brother, Keith Salmonson.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, 1:00 pm at the Chelsea Retirement Chapel, with Rev. Dr. Julie J. Kilmer officiating. The burial will be at Cadillac Memorial Gardens West, Westland, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the UMRC Foundation.
Click here to watch the video of Carol's memorial service.
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Comments
My most sincere condolences to the Mills family.
My thoughts and prayers to you all dear family. Carol and I were cousins, there were 33 of us! So many fond memories and laughter. There are 3 cousins remaining this side of heaven. Blessings and love to each one of you.
In Christ,
Janice (Hegge) Rodvik
Hugs and prayers to all of you.