Carlene E. Harwick

Munising

It is with shattered hearts we announce the passing of Carlene E. Harwick, age 85, of Munising after a brief illness at Henry Ford St. John Hospital in Detroit on March 31, 2025. We are shattered that she left Earth, grateful for this beautiful, soul and a life well lived. As she gained her angel wings, we like to think she rode a bolt of lightning out then dumped more snow on the U.P. before joining her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her deeply loved husband of nearly 58 years, George.

She was born June 18, 1939 to the late Carl and Rosamond (Webb) Clark. Carlene graduated Lafayette High School in 1957 and went on to earn her B.A. in Social Work from the University of Kentucky then began her master’s program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Her roommate set her up on a blind date with a cousin. That is how she met George. They married December 20, 1964 and together raised 2 children.

Carlene found her niche in needle arts receiving the Lifetime Achievement award, numerous certifications and too many awards to mention. She was a highly sought after Senior Master Teacher and judge with the American Needlepoint Guild. Also involved with Valentine Museum and NAN.

During a camping trip to Munising in the 1990’s Carlene and George fell in love with the area and retired there. Carlene continued to teach members at the United Methodist Church and was a charter member of the quilt guild. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Munising and shared her musician skills by playing piano and organ. She also shared her musical talents with other churches when they were in need for church services, weddings, and funerals. Carlene had also been a member of Eastern Star.

Carlene was strong willed, determined, the epitome of southern grace and charm and a friend to all. She always thought of others and how to make their day better. She was a good and faithful servant of God. She knows her Lord and Savior well. Carlene was a master at groan worthy puns and corny jokes. She loved hot tea with lemon, cookies, Cheetos and once she reached 80, once in a great while a sip of cherry vodka for medicinal purposes.

She is survived by her children—Peter C. Harwick (Liz) of Madison Heights, Michigan and Lynda K. Harwick of East Lansing, Michigan: brother-Stanford (Lois) Clark and sister along with many nieces and nephews, 2 grandcats and 2 grandpups. Carlene was preceded in death by her parents and her husband George in 2022.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Rev. Sandra Kolder will conduct Carlene’s memorial service at 1:00 p.m.. A light lunch will be served at the United Methodist Church in Munising following the conclusion of her service.  Interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising this summer.

Memorial donations in Carlene's name may be made to the United Methodist Church, 312 Lynn St, Munising, MI 49862