Obituary of Carolyn Grace Mack (Deming)

Carolyn Grace Mack (Deming), 93, of Ocala, Florida peacefully passed away on March 4, 2024, at Palm Garden of Ocala. She was preceded in death by her first husband, James Joseph Deming, Sr., who was the love of her life, as well as her daughter Elizabeth Janet Shepherd, son David Anthony Deming, and second husband Carl Mack.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter Carol Ann Deming, son James Joseph Deming Jr. and his wife Mae, stepson Carl Mack and his wife Cathy, stepdaughters Carol Miller and Linda Fletcher as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her best friend, Linda Krall.

Throughout her life, Carolyn exemplified unwavering faith and enduring kindness. Her deep appreciation for God and her unyielding spirit of gratitude were evident in every aspect of her life. Carolyn was born as Caroline Clement on April 23, 1930, in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Her mother, Marion Gertude Clement, was a patient at the Tewksbury State Hospital, where she received care for what is believed to be epilepsy. At birth, Carolyn was placed in the Massachusetts Foster Service and found a loving home with Grace and Jeremiah Cowhig in Wilmington, Massachusetts at the age of 3. Her foster father, Jeremiah, an affectionate Irish man, shared his love for gardening and singing old Irish songs with Carolyn. She remained with the Cowhigs as a foster child until she was adopted at the age of 19, changing her name to Carolyn Grace Cowhig. Carolyn expressed her deep desire to be part of a family, and she found that sense of belonging with the Cowhigs.

In 1951, Carolyn joined the United States Navy, venturing away from Massachusetts for the first time in her life to the Great Lakes Naval Base and later to Washington, DC. One of her most cherished memories was marching in President Dwight D. Eisenhower's inauguration Day Parade. Carolyn was a true American and proud to serve her Country. During her time in the Navy, she met her future husband, James Joseph Deming, Sr., and they exchanged vows on February 27, 1952. Carolyn made the decision to leave the military shortly after to start her first true family, and she described it as the first time in her life that she truly felt loved. Jim and Carolyn were blessed with four children, whom they raised with strong faith in God and love for their country.

Tragically, Carolyn's husband Jim passed away at the age of 46 due to a massive heart attack while they were residing in Massachusetts. Carolyn made the courageous decision to relocate her family back to Florida, where she went on to work for the State of Florida, Child Protective Services.  In 1970, she met and married Carl Mack, with whom she shared a passion for photography and their pets. Carolyn was an embodiment of love and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on those she encountered.

While her passing is a somber occasion, Carolyn's memory will forever be cherished by those fortunate enough to have known her. She now rests in the loving arms of the Lord, and we pray that she finds eternal peace in her heavenly home. Her life was a blessing, and her memory will forever be treasured. Carolyn is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. These accounts of Carolyn's life were gathered through journaling sessions over the past 5-6 years and a hunger for more information, leading to further research. I will miss   the stories, the love she shared with her family, and her unwavering faith in God during life's challenges. Carolyn blessed her family in immeasurable ways, and her presence will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held on March 23, 2024, from 12:30pm for Honor Court followed by service at the E.W. & Lucille Cates Hospice Chapel in Ocala, Florida. Graveside service will be April 3, 2024 at Hillcrest Cemetery Monson, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carolyn's name to the Epilepsy Foundation or Hospice of Marion County.