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. Her loving memories will be cherished by her children 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 and Roy raised their family in Grand Rapids, MI. In 1983 they began their adventure south in Florida living aboard a sailboat. They later moved to Admiral's Cove, Jupiter, Mariner Sands, Stuart and finally Indian River Estates in Vero Beach. She was active in many clubs including Cascade Country Club, MI, Mackinac Bay Yacht Club, MI, Mackinac Island Yacht Club, MI, Crossroads Yacht Club, FL, to name just a few.

Carole enjoyed playing bridge and maj jong with friends and boating in the Great Lakes, Bahamas and Caribbean with her husband. She also enjoyed many years of tennis and snow skiing. During her lifetime she took pleasure in many activities including traveling, knitting, needlepoint, and cooking. Later years she graced birthdays for friends and family with homemade cards. Early years included active volunteer work for hospital guilds and political parties.

A memorial service in Grand Rapids is scheduled for September 4 from 6:00-9:00 pm at 4987 Spring Ridge Drive NE, Ada, MI 49301. Please RSVP to Craig and Luanne Datema at 616 446 6991 or Datemalu@comcast.net. A memorial service will be held at Mariner Sands in stuart FL to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations can be made to the Carole Datema Parkinson Memorial Fund www.3.parkinson.org/goto/datema or Hospice of Florida.

Condolences and prayers for the family are welcomed at
http://coxgiffordseawinds.frontrunnerpro.com/book-of-memories/1643140/Datema-Carole/service-details.php