Carolyn was born on May 16, 1937, to Clara and David Bumgardner of Glen Haven. She is survived by her children; Zoe (Mike), Bob (Yvonne), and JoLynn (Phillip), her Grandchildren; Logan (Rashorn), Colton (Courtney), Hailey ( Jeremy), and Olivia; five great-grandchildren, and her brothers George (Barb), Robert (Donna), and Ron (Debbie).

Carolyn above all else, loved her family, her friends, and her co-workers at Riverside Canoes (who she considered family), where she worked for 35 years. She ran the Jewelry and Clothing sections and taught generations of kids how to properly mop a floor. We are sure she received the Riverside Enforcer Award many times. She loved those “kids”, most of whom got their nicknames from her and they doted on her.

Before she worked at the Riverside, she worked at the Leelanau Schools and on the Glen Arbor Zoning and Planning Commission.

She also kept in touch with the many friends she made while raising her family on three continents as an Air Force wife of 20 years. She made friends easily, Died March 15, 2026

remembered everyone’s birthday/anniversary. And knew more history about the people and places of Leelanau County than anyone. She was a loyal friend and a fierce ally with a brilliant mind, quick wit and no fear.

She was a great mother who was always there for her children and willing to help anyone (or any animal) in need. She was always feeding the animals in Glen Haven and breaking up fights between the raccoons. The deer knew the sound of her car and would come running when she came home. She worried about the opossum’s tails freezing. She didn’t walk on water; she told water to get the hell out of the way (and usually it did). She was one of a kind and we will miss her so very much.

A special “thank you” to her friends and neighbors’ Helen Narva and Steve Watson who always looked out for her.

There will be a Celebration of Carolyn’s Life on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026, at the Old Settler’s Picnic Grounds on Glen Lake 8802-8806 S. Dunns Farm Rd, Maple City, MI 49664, with time to be announced. Please bring your stories and pictures.

Please share condolences and memories with Carolyn’s family at www.martinson. info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.