Ely Twp, MI- Carrie J. LaForest, age 69 of 2931 Co. Rd. CP Champion (Clarksburg Location) passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at her home while in the loving care of her family and UP Home Health and Hospice.

Carrie was born August 25, 1947 in Ishpeming to Sulo W. and Jeanette M. (Oien) Laitinen. She graduated from Ishpeming High School, class of 1965. Carrie worked as a teachers aide for the Ishpeming School District for 24 years, retiring in 2004.

Carrie enjoyed paper toiling, crocheting, and kayaking. She was a wonderful baker, known for her pasties and pork pies. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren and enjoyed spending winters in Texas.

Carrie is survived by her husband Dennis LaForest, whom she married on November 26, 1966, 3 children: Scott (Joy) LaForest of Menominee, MI, twins Cheryl (Eric) Hansen of Green Bay, WI and Carol (David) Junak of Peshtigo, WI, 5 grandchildren: LeeAnne Firby, Katelyn Junak, David Junak, Jeanette Hansen and Christopher LaForest, a sister, Maryann Schwanke of Ishpeming, 2 brothers: James and Roger Laitinen both of Ishpeming, mother in law Virginia LaForest of Ishpeming along with numerous nieces and nephews. Carrie was preceded in death by her parents Sulo and Jeanette Laitinen and a sister Donna Mae Laitinen.

Carrie's family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home where a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm with Fr. Larry Van Damme officiating.

A luncheon will follow at K/D Hall-St. Johns Catholic Church in Ishpeming.

Memorials may be directed to mds-foundation.org in memory of Carrie.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .