Carol Jane Fortin

Carol Jane Fortin, of Plymouth, Michigan, was born on April 6, 1940 in Detroit to her parents, Theodore and Frances Fortin. She passed away on May 18, 2021 at Brighton Gardens of Northville.

Carol grew up in Detroit, and then she and her family lived in Livonia for many years before moving to Plymouth in 1979. Carol graduated from Cooley High School in 1957. She then went on to the University of Michigan School of Education, where she earned her B. Ed., in 1961. She later completed a Master of Education degree as well. Carol taught in the Farmington School System for three years, 1961-1964.

In 1964, Carol started teaching in Livonia Public Schools at McKinley Elementary School, where she taught for the next 32 years until her retirement in 1996. In that time, she taught several different grade levels, always providing enriched learning experiences for her students in a nourishing learning environment. Parents and students appreciated the excellence of the time with Miss Fortin.

For several years she taught a Gifted and Talented program for upper grade students. She was very involved in building activities as well and mentored student teachers. Carol was known, respected, and esteemed throughout the district. She was the first elementary teacher to receive the Livonia Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award. She was very active on curriculum committees, her opinions always valued.

Carol was also active in the Livonia Education Association and attended several National Education Association conventions.

Carol had many interests and hobbies. Like her approach to teaching, anything she chose to do would be done very well. She was skilled in sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, gardening, and lawn care. She was an excellent swimmer, enjoyed biking, reading and other activities. She traveled extensively over the years to many destinations.

Most of all, Carol was a good friend: genuinely kind, caring, thoughtful, generous, and helpful – with a quick sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by those close to her, and the shared memories will be cherished.

She is survived by her brother, Dean Fortin and his wife, Susanna Morehouse; her niece Jennifer Callen and her husband, Dan; and her nephews Andrew Brauer, Evan Brauer, and Jake Callen.

She is predeceased by her parents, Dean’s first wife, Carol, and her niece, Shannon Billings.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brighton Gardens and Heart to Heart Hospice for the care given to Carol.

There will be a Visitation for Carol Fortin on June 12, 2021 from 2:30-3:00pm, with a brief Memorial Service at 3:00pm to be held at:

Shrader-Howell Funeral Home
280 S. Main
Plymouth, MI

Family flowers only. Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.