Carolyn W. Fox

A passionate woman who appreciated the beauty in the most intricate of details, Carolyn Fox was a joy to know. She leaves her mark not only on the hearts of many through a myriad of memories, but artistically as well through her pottery. Strong and independent, she used her creative talents in all she did, but above all was her unending love of family. Sadly missed, she will be lovingly remembered.

Carolyn's story began in Ann Arbor, Michigan as winter reached its peak in 1929. A time of mixed blessings in our nation’s history, prohibition was in full swing, and life was bustling. Families enjoyed the debut of Amos and Andy, and the first public demonstration of the television was the subject of conversations everywhere. As the stock market crash cast a shadow among all, it was just merely the beginning of an era of hardship for some. For Rex and Elizabeth (Goodnow) Wilcox, the days could not have been brighter when on January 16, 1929 they welcomed the birth of their daughter whom they lovingly named, Carolyn Elizabeth Wilcox.

The oldest of the Wilcox children, Carolyn enjoyed a childhood growing up in the rural community of Alma, Michigan where her father Rex served the community as a local physician and owner of the Wilcox Hospital. Her mother Beth looked after Carolyn who was later joined by her sister, Evelyn and brothers, Bud and Rick. Carolyn attended the local schools where she excelled in her studies. Although a friend to many, she shared several close friendships throughout her school years. Many of them still maintained until her passing.

After graduating from Alma High School, she went on to attend the University of Michigan where she majored in Art. Shortly after her college graduation she was joined in marriage to a young man she had known from Alma named John Bosch. Although their marriage eventually ended in divorce, she was grateful for the many good years and the four children she had from their union.

Carolyn possessed artistic talent even as a young child. She loved art and it soon became her lifelong passion. She was extremely creative in several areas of art form but thoroughly enjoyed expressing herself through pottery. For over 40 years she was involved in the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. She also had her own pottery studio at her home on KL avenue. She was pleased to know others found her work enjoyable.

Carolyn was the administrator of the family owned Wilcox Nursing Home in Alma for many years. As a single Mom she made the commute from Kalamazoo to Alma weekly while raising her four children. Another passion and a good portion of Carolyn’s life included her love of breeding and showing German Shepherd dogs. She was very fortunate to have raised not one, but two champion show dogs. Throughout the years she had come to raise a total of 195 dogs. Her last one passed away as recently as a few years ago. This love of all animals permeated her life and was evident in all she did.

During her over 30 years in her beautifully wooded 10 acre house on KL Ave., Carolyn often had occasion to open her home up to college students and young men and women who needed a place to stay during their time in Kalamazoo. The “rent” that was usually set was an obligation to do chores around the house, help with the German Shepherd's (many times 10-20 of them at a time) and generally be a good member of the community. While dozens of people benefited from this arrangement, Carolyn would often remark how much she gained from these new relationships and how many life-long friends she made because of her decision to help others out.

Scott, Rick, Brooke and Steve filled Carolyn's life with joy. Many family memories were made at Crystal Lake where Carolyn’s family has had a cottage since the 1930s. Growing up she enjoyed making numerous memories at Crystal and spent many summers there. Carolyn continued the family tradition at Crystal with her children and grandchildren, a tradition that will be carried on by all that loved her.

Among the many other things Carolyn loved, she especially loved and appreciated the opera. For many years she looked forward to the many trips she made with her daughter to the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. She had a passion for travel and enjoyed four memorable trips to India, an exciting safari excursion to Africa, and two wonderful visits to Israel. She was very proud of her English heritage and was delighted to have visited England in the company of her son, Scott.

In March of 2011, Carolyn was diagnosed with lung cancer. Although she battled the disease with grace, she passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Rose Arbor Hospice. A deep and thoughtful person, she was above all a loving mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her brother Rex “Bud” Wilcox. Members of her family include her children: Scott W. (Gail) Bosch, Rick Bosch, Brooke (Tim) Latoszewski and Steve (Michelle) Bosch; 11 grandchildren Brandon,Josalyn, David, Matthew, Alexandra, Trenton, Elizabeth, Connor, Blair, Kira, Noah; her sister, Evelyn (Frank) Hyde; brother, Rick (Irene) Wilcox, and many other relatives. Please visit Carolyn’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a favorite memory, photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or the Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts.

A Memorial Gathering to honor Carolyn's life will be held Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Life Story Funeral Home, Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600).