Carole Sheldon Person

Carole Sheldon Person (Brossy) was born in Detroit on October 21, 1931. She married Charles Rice and raised two daughters in Allen Park and Taylor. An advocate for education, Carole returned to school and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and worked for many years in the education department at The Henry Ford. She was involved in various activities and organizations throughout her life, including Girl Scouts, Pathfinders, Dolphin Divers of Detroit, American Association of University Women (AAUW), and the Grosse Ile Historical Society. She was a lifelong learner, avid reader, and intrepid adventurer. Highlights include sailing in the Virgin Islands, climbing Longs Peak in Colorado, as well as shipwreck and cave diving. Additionally, she became both a Master Barber and Gardener, and even attended Clown School! Carole moved to Grosse Ile in the 1970s where she lived until her passing, and also spent many years in Sun City, Arizona. She loved nature in all forms, particularly birds which gave her much joy in her final days, and was passionate about conservation and leaving a small but mighty footprint wherever she went. Preceded in death by her husband Elwood Person, Carole is survived by her daughters, Laurie Hofman of Tecumseh and Lynn Gerich of Grosse Ile, three grandchildren, Janet Hofman, Michael Gerich, and Caroline Gerich, as well as six great-grandchildren, niece Sharon Shultz, and caregiver/friend, Virginia Riling. There will be a memorial held in Carole’s honor this summer at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church where she was a dedicated member.