Carol Ann Donovan

With her inquisitive and complex mind, Carol Ann Donovan could often be found lost between the pages of the latest book that captured her attention. She was intelligent and hard working whether in the workplace or within the community. Carol Ann strived to make the world a better place and to touch the lives of those around her. She had the utmost respect for those who fought for the preservation of the freedoms we all enjoy and was so proud of her own father’s willingness to serve. Carol Ann was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend who will live on in the memories of those who held her in their hearts.

By the year 1947, America was returning to a “new normal” as countless servicemen had resumed the lives they set aside with the end of WWII in 1945. People were again enjoying goods that were not available during the war while the GI Bill allowed more men to receive a college education than ever before. Women gave up their jobs to the returning men, but they had tasted independence in a new way. It was in this same year that Rudolph “Rudy” and Virginia (Helms) Maslanik welcomed the birth of their daughter, Carol Ann, on January 13th. Born in Vicksburg, Michigan, Carol Ann was the oldest of three children in her family including younger siblings Gary and Mary Jo. Her father was a Ford salesman for Simmons Ford in Vicksburg while her mother taught math at Vicksburg High School. Carol Ann attended local schools and was active in a variety of different programs. She was a Girl Scout for many years, working her way as far as one can go with the scouts, even becoming a leader. Carol Ann sang in the choir at Vicksburg United Methodist Church, and was involved in the Future Teachers of America, helped out with the Special Olympics, and was also involved with Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

With her high school education behind her, Carol Ann attended Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant for a few years. She then returned to the Kalamazoo area and started working at Upjohn. As an employee for Upjohn, Carol Ann was able to go back to school. She received her bachelor’s degree and then was so proud to earn her master’s degree from Nazareth College located in Kalamazoo. Carol Ann remained at Upjohn throughout the duration of her career during which time the company became Pharmacia and then Pfizer. She worked in regulatory affairs during her time there before retiring after 37 years of dedicated service.

Although work was certainly an important part of Carol Ann’s life, it was far from the only part. She loved being in her kitchen and was passionate about cooking. Carol Ann experimented with all genres of food, mastering a variety of techniques along the way. She was an avid reader who frequently visited the library. In addition to her intelligence, Carol Ann had a creative side as well, enjoying crafting and painting ceramics. She did a fair amount of traveling through the years, too, taking in all the beauty the world has to offer.

There were many things that were unique to Carol Ann and that made her such a special woman. She held those who have served and are currently serving in the military in the highest regard. Carol Ann was so very proud that her own father valiantly served his country during WWII. During her younger years, she often joked around and had quite the sense of humor. Carol Ann had a special place in her heart for animals and compassionately cared for her many pets through the years.

Carol Ann Donovan was a tender-hearted woman who had a deep love for learning throughout her life. She was dedicated both to her work and loving those around her. Carol Ann leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories that will be forever treasured by so many. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Carol Ann Donovan of Portage died on June 17, 2010. Carol Ann’s family includes: her parents, Rudy and Virginia Maslanik; one brother, Gary Maslanik, of CO; one sister, Mary Jo (Bill Bryan) Maslanik, of UT; and several cousins. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St., Vicksburg (649-1697). Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the same location. Please visit Carol Ann’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the Vicksburg District Library.