Carole Joyce Datema of Vero Beach Florida peacefully left this earth to be with her lord on Sunday August 4th, 2013. Born Carole Meyer on March 30, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she leaves behind her loving husband of 62 years, Roy R. Datema Jr.  

She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her children who were at her side, Roy R. Datema III of Montpelier,Vermont, Craig S. Datema and his wife Luanne of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and daughter Wende A. Gripentrog and her husband Eric of Dorado,Puerto Rico. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Alison Datema, Steven Datema, Grant Gripentrog, Taylor Gripentrog and Blake Gripentrog.

Carole enjoyed playing bridge with friends and boating in the Great Lakes, Bahamas and Caribbean with her husband. She also enjoyed many years of tennis and skiing.  During her lifetime she took pleasure in many activities including traveling, knitting, needlepoint, and making keepsakes for family and friends. Later years she graced birthdays with homemade cards. Early years included active volunteer work for hospital guilds and political parties. Carole was a survivor and advocate of breast cancer for twenty-three years and Parkinson disease in later years.

Memorial services will be held at later dates in both Floridaand Michigan. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to the National Parkinson Foundation (www.prk.org) or Hospice of Florida.