Carol H. Forrer

Carol H. Forrer, age 100, longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2025. She was born on December 30, 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Southcott) Hanke. She graduated from High School in the class of 1942. Carol continued her education at Mount Mary University in Wisconsin, where she earned a bachelor’s of science degree for Occupational Therapy. She began her career at Ypsilanti Psychiatric State Hospital as an Occupational Therapist. It was there she met the love of her life, Dr. Gordon Forrer. The two were married on May 26, 1951, and shared 63 devoted years together until his passing on February 17, 2015.

After marrying, Carol stepped away from her career to become a dedicated mother and wife and focused on raising her family and serving her community. She poured her energy into the Northville community, generously volunteering with numerous clubs and organizations. A lifelong member of the Northville Mother’s Club, she played an active role in sponsoring and managing the Cavern, a teen club held at the community center. Carol also volunteered with the Northville Friends of the Library, organized local blood drives for the American Red Cross, and each Christmas could be found cheerfully ringing the bell for the Salvation Army outside the local grocery store.

Carol was an avid reader who participated in several book clubs throughout her life. She loved working on needle point and knitting projects and kept her mind sharp by completing Sudoku and crossword puzzles and enjoyed the challenge of her bridge club and investment club. Always active, Carol especially loved line dancing at the Northville Community Center, a passion she continued until the age of 92. Inspired by English gardens, she thoughtfully cultivated beautiful, balanced landscapes around her home, filled with a vibrant array of flowers, including her favorite purple irises and lilies.

Carol’s greatest joy in life came from the time she spent with family and friends. For many years, she hosted a Fourth of July celebration at her Northville home, bringing loved ones together to share in the tradition. She was also a member of a gourmet group that held themed dinners in one another’s homes, preparing and enjoying authentic cuisine. Carol cherished summers at the family cottage on Lake Huron in Pike Bay Canada, where she found peace and happiness surrounded by nature and the people she loved most. She had a special bond with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, treasuring every moment shared with them. Carol will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family and community. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and cherished memories that will live on through her family and friends. Carol will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who loved her.

Carol is survived by her loving children, Jane Weston, Susan (Randy) Busscher, and John (Sharon) Forrer; her grandchildren, Dr. Joshua (Lena) Busscher, Andrew (Caitlin) Busscher, Adam (Jessica) Forrer, and Lauren Forrer; and her great grandchildren, James, William, Ben, Cameron, and Elsie. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

An open house will be held at the Forrer residence on July 13th, 2025 from 11:00am - 2:00pm to celebrate Carol’s life and share stories and memories of her. Mrs. Forrer will be laid to rest with her husband at Rural Hill Cemetery.