Carole Jane (Sinnott) McNulty

Carole Jane (Sinnott) McNulty, of Grand Rapids age 81, passed away after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She is now blessed to be reunited with her beloved husband Dave, whose unfortunate passing was just two months ago. It makes us smile to envision them joyfully dancing in heaven to their favorite song, “Through the Years”.

Carole was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. She was the eldest of 7 children in a loving, high-spirited, Irish Catholic family.  Her faith was instilled in her at an early age and remained a vital part of Carole’s life. This lifelong faith proved to be integral in providing structure and comfort to her quality of life during her later years. After graduating from Horace Mann high school in Gary, she married and had three children. During this time, she discovered a passion for community theater. Her wonderful talent was showcased in numerous productions over the years in the Chicago, Detroit, and Grand Rapids areas.  Most recently, up until her diagnosis, Carole was part of the Saint’s Alive Players who provided entertainment to local senior living facilities. This was a great source of joy and purpose for her.

Carole and Dave were married in 1972 and settled in Livonia, MI where they added another daughter to the family.  They moved to Grand Rapids in 1983 where they built a beautiful life together. Dave was her soulmate and they were fortunate to celebrate their 50th anniversary last June.

Carole loved playing cards and formed many strong friendships in her bridge and euchre groups. She and Dave were often involved in a competitive evening of gin rummy. They also loved traveling, entertaining, dining out, and attending movies and Broadway shows. Carole loved her family tremendously. She never missed sending a card for a birthday or celebrating a special occasion. She loved being a grandma to her 7 grandchildren. They knew Grandma always had their favorite treats waiting in her special candy drawer. She was also blessed with one great grandchild and two more on the way.

Carole was so loved and will be greatly missed, but we take solace in knowing her pain and confusion are gone and she is finally at peace.

Carole was preceded in death by her husband, Dave; parents, James and Doris Sinnott; her brothers, Jim, Pat, Rick, and Tom Sinnott; inlaws, William and Florence McNulty; and brothers-in-law, Doug Fleming and Mike McNulty. She is survived by her children, Debra (John) Grygiel, Kelly (Steve) DesSaint, Scott (Cindy) Hannah, Carrie (fiance Dan Falicki) McNulty; grandchildren, Chris (Megan) Grygiel, Ashley (Alex) Phelps, Tyler DesSaint, Dan Grygiel, Nick Grygiel, Megan Gasser, Will Hannah; great-grandchild, Lilah Grygiel; sisters, Sharon Fleming, and Barb (Bob) Pittard; sisters-in-law, Debbie McNulty, Renee Sinnott, Pat Sinnott, Mary Sinnott, Barb (Jim) Hollock; brother-in-law, Bill (Susan) McNulty; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2022, from 5-7 pm at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 am Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301 with visitation one-hour prior. Rev. Leonard Sudlik presiding. Interment Blythefield Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, West Michigan Region 2944 Fuller Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505.