Carolyn Ann (Vermeesch) Gross embraced eternal rest on February 5, 2026, at Lenawee Medical Care Facility in Adrian, MI. The eldest of seven, she was born on September 7, 1940, in Bay County, MI to Irene (Vennix) and Harold (Harry) Vermeesch.
Childhood was spent close to the family farm in Munger, MI giving her a foundation of family, faith, friends, and hard work. She attended Marywood Academy in Grand Rapids, MI and graduated in 1958 from Saint James in Bay City, MI. Earning a cosmetology license she quickly became an entrepreneur owning her own salon. She pledged Beta Sigma Phi embracing their motto “Life, Learning, and Friendship” fully. In 1962 she married, and the following year she had a daughter, Kelly Ann (Hull) Tressler.
Changing her path, she became the Wendy Ward charm school teacher at Montgomery Ward’s and passionately worked with young women regarding grace and fashion. Carolyn transitioned to a children’s clothing buyer and occasionally modeled. While modeling she met William (Bill) Gross. They married in 1973 creating their life together in Essexville, MI. They designed/built their own home, boated, were active in church and community, and most importantly, had their daughter, Wendy Lyn (Gross) Helmke in 1975. A self-taught floral designer, she co-owned Nature’s Designs, was among the first artisan contributors to Little House gift store, coordinated talent for the local MDA telethon, and supported her budding three year old gymnast.
In 1985 the family relocated to Rochester Hills. Carolyn connected with new sorority sisters, made new friends, volunteered at her new church (St. John Fischer), and worked as a floral designer. The family traveled to cheer on Wendy in gymnastic competitions until she graduated from college.
Carolyn gratefully witnessed both daughters earn advanced degrees to successfully work in their chosen fields, and create happy marriages with men (Michael Tressler and Bradley Helmke) she loved and admired.
Carolyn cherished her many roles, relationships, and adventures, perhaps nothing touched her as deeply as being Nana. She embraced Sharif-Ahmed August Krabti, Grace Annmarie Helmke, and Luke William Helmke with full measure as her lasting legacy and best hopes for the future. Each held a precious and unique place in her heart.
Carolyn was caregiver for Bill until his death in 2014. She continued to volunteer at church and added the Older Persons’ Commission to her good works. In 2019 she moved to Chelsea, MI to be closer to her daughter’s families where she lived independently and with assistance until 2023 when she moved to her last home in Adrian, MI.
Carolyn is survived by her daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren; siblings Toni (Alan) Patrick, Lynda Bushong, Ray (Linda) Vermeesch, Joan Szczepanski and William (Brenda) Vermeesch; many nieces and nephews, other extended family, friends and sorority sisters.
She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Beryl (Boots) and Frank Gross, brother Kenneth Vermeesch; brother in-laws Thomas Bushong, Leon Szczepanski, and George Curry; sister in-laws JoAnn Vermeesch and Judy Curry.
The family is grateful to the staff of Lenawee Medical Care Facility and Elara Caring (Hospice) for making Carolyn’s last few years and days as bright and comfortable as possible.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring; at that time the family will make their wishes known for those that feel called to give something in memory of Carolyn. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.