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Carolyn's obituary

Carolyn Jane Walker Harms Trainer, age 88, passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at Gold Canyon Hacienda near her home in Arizona. Carolyn was born on October 27, 1930, in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Harry and Lucille (Krum) Walker. Carolyn was a graduate of Cleary College Business School in Ypsilanti, Michigan and worked as a secretary prior to her marriage to William J. Harms in 1952, with whom she had 6 children. In 1975, she married Donald J. Trainer and remained with him until his death in August 2018. Together they co-owned and operated several successful manufacturing businesses in Michigan and Tennessee.

Carolyn, with her husband, Don and beloved terrier PD, explored North America extensively from their motorhomes, enjoying good times with the friends they met along the way. She was an avid golfer, once receiving certification from the Tennessee Golfers Association for a hole-in-one during a tournament.

Carolyn had a zest for life and possessed a playful sense of humor, still flirting with the fellows, young and old, until her final days. She was a lifelong animal lover and saved many cats and dogs, including a sick cat she carried to the veterinarian in the basket of her bicycle at the age of 10.

Carolyn took great pride in knowing each of her children were thriving, successful, and happy. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Donald, sister, Janice Fitzgerald and brother, Roger Walker. She is survived by her sister, Rosemary Waring; her children, Jeffery W. Harms, Sharon J. Harms, Michelle A. Larsen, Wendy C. Birt, Lisa R. Freeman Smith, and Linda J. Mow; stepchildren David Trainer and Donald J. Trainer, Jr.; 12 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a private memorial in Grand Haven, Michigan in the summer of 2019.

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Carolyn Walker Harms Trainer