Carol McCall

Carol was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, in 1934 and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. Carol loved to brag that all of her schooling happened within a mile of her childhood home. She graduated from Hamlin University with a degree in social work. Carol would later earn her masters in social work while raising four “resourceful” children. She was also a pastor’s wife, an underappreciated and unpaid job which she navigated with deference and grace.

A life-long and dedicated Presbyterian, Carol along with her husband Ken, was dedicated to her church and together they lived a quintessential life of Christian egalitarianism; serving others. They believed we are all God’s children and worthy of God’s love. Carol was always an advocate for people who were the most in need.

Professionally, Carol started as a medical social worker in Detroit and in Escanaba, but her calling was school social work. She not only served as one for the Escanaba Area Public Schools, she was the trailblazer who advocated for the creation of the position and went on to became the district’s first full-time social worker and a vital asset in expanding support to students with special needs.

An avid swimmer and weather aficionado, Carol was a person of few hobbies. She did love her cottage summers and sunsets on Indian Lake. The pontoon boat was her favorite twilight chair. Truly, Carol’s most cherished pastimes were family, friendships, and causes and she diligently cultivated them all. Carol always stayed in touch.

Carol is survived by her four children, Jeff McCall (Cindy), Linda Taylor (Riley), Scott McCall (Mary), Laurie Vicenzi, and her seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many dear and even a few life-long friends, all Minnesotans–must be something in the water.

To her last breath, Carol expressed her sincere belief that she was blessed for all life has given her. We are truly blessed for all that Carol gave to us.

The family would like to thank and acknowledge all of the staff at Bellin Healthcare, Lake House, UPHS Hospice, and Anderson Funeral Home for the love, care and support they’ve provided to our mother and family. Well done; thank you!

Entombment will take place in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial can be directed to the First Presbyterian Church. The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the McCall family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.