Ellen M. Carlin

Ellen M. Carlin, age 91, of Harsens Island, passed away on June 13, 2025. She was born on February 21, 1934 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; daughter of Michael and Ellen (Sweeney) Laffey. She was united in marriage to Terrance Carlin on August 8, 1955; they spent over 62 devoted to their love until his death in 2017.

Ellen began her career with Bell Telephone in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania soon after graduating from High School. When she moved to Michigan she continued working for Michigan Bell, then AT&T as a telephone operator.

A woman of strong faith, Ellen was a member of St. Marks Catholic Church on Harsens Island for 40 years. Ellen relished her life on the water at Harsens Island, where she found deep joy in cooking and caring for her family. She perfected her homemade chicken noodle soup and was known for her incredible roast and signature cheesy potatoes. Ellen could always be found at the kitchen table with a glass of wine or tea in hand, savoring conversation and laughter with those she loved most. She also enjoyed Irish dancing, bringing a playful rhythm to her life.

Soft-spoken and thrifty, Ellen had a gift for discovering hidden treasures at garage sales. She delighted in hosting holiday gatherings, creating warm, welcoming memories that her family will always cherish. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life—a quiet, steady source of strength and comfort. Above all, Ellen will be remembered for her kindness, her gift for truly listening, and her grounded, fun-loving spirit. She was always ready for anything, always there for others, and always the heart of her home.

Ellen is survived by her loving children, Mary Ellen Collier and Patrick Carlin; her daughter-in-law, JoAnn Carlin Revesz ; her grandchildren, Michael Sant, Danielle Sant, Jessica (John) Lewis, Shaun Carlin, Kelly Carlin, Michael Carlin, Corey Carlin, Bridget (Nick) Joseph, and Kaitlyn (Nick) Schiller; and her great grandchildren, Trinity, Kya, Nathan, Keagan, Carter, Finnigan, Talullah, Arlo, Gordy, Michael, Greyson, and Liam. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sons, Terrance Carlin and Michael Carlin; her sister, Mary Burrows; and her brother, Joseph Laffey.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 17, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a memorial service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. Father Tom Belczak will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or ProLife Across America, PO Box 18669, Minneapolis, MN 55418.