Carolyn Ann Ellingson passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026 at the age of 86.
She is survived by daughters Ann Ellingson and Catherine (Ellingson) Johnson, and grandchildren Maya and Wesley Johnson. She is preceded in death by her husband, John David Ellingson, and her beloved grandson Benny Wenlong Lay.
Carolyn was born on March 30, 1940 in Danville, IL to George and Lucille Gregory. She graduated from Litchfield High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Greenville College as well as a Master’s Degree in Education from Southern Illinois University.
Carolyn’s life was defined by and dedicated to service. She believed deeply in the power of education and was a champion for reading, books, and learning. An enthusiastic and lifelong educator, Carolyn was a classroom teacher for 46 years, including teaching second grade in Springfield and Deerfield, IL, and 37 years teaching first and second grade in Ann Arbor Public Schools. Through her teaching career, she helped and inspired so many to become confident readers and joyful learners. Carolyn was also a dedicated mentor, and shared her time, care, and wisdom with many educators and student teachers.
Upon retirement, she worked in the Washtenaw Community College Children’s Center and volunteered with a wide range of organizations. At University of Michigan Hospital, she was a co-founder of the HOPE Ambassador Program, volunteered with the Elder Life Assistance Program, and served on the C.S. Mott Bereavement Committee. She was also a valued volunteer with the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and helped prepare Mass bulletins for St. Joseph Church.
A lifelong learner as well as educator, Carolyn was ever curious. She embraced farm life with her husband John and made dear friends in Britton, MI, where she and John built an organic farm. She was an avid participant in the programs of the Michigan Medicine Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), sharing insights from the lectures she attended and articles she read. She was also a participant in a meditation group where she met wonderful friends.
Above all, Carolyn was hardworking and kind. She loved caring for, reading with, and doting on her grandchildren, and was always ready to listen and support family, friends, and members of her church. She spent cherished days with her grandson Benny exploring the outdoors and the world of books and play, and with her grandchildren Maya and Wesley, talking, reading, and cheering them on in all they do and learn.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed at St. Joseph Village Church, 3430 Dover St., Dexter, MI at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, with visitation at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the start of Mass and a lunch to follow. All who knew Carolyn are welcome to join in celebrating her life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gathered for the organization National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Washtenaw County). The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Angela Hospice for their exceptional care and support.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
