Marianne Karpovich

Marianne Karpovich of Caro, age 96, passed away on December 26, 2021 at Saads Hospice in Mobile, Alabama. Marianne was born November 8, 1925 in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of the late William Evert and Elizabeth (Riley) Swern. On July 23, 1960, she was united in marriage with John Karpovich in Midland. Dr. Karpovich preceded her in death on August 15, 2006. Marianne received her Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and became a bacteriologist with Kraft Foods. While there, she posed with her microscope as a cover girl for a science magazine. She also discovered a specific medium for growing bacteria for which her supervisor received the credit and a jade ring. Deciding to move on, she returned to school at the University of Illinois, receiving her Masters degree and becoming a technical librarian. Upon graduation, she was employed at Dow Chemical Company where she met her future husband, John. Her husband frequently teased her about how, before they had even been introduced, he had seen her in the Dow library and had written in his "things-to-do" book that he was going to marry her. About a year following his passing, she came across this much-discussed book and she found this entry. She felt it was like getting a Valentine's Day card from her late husband. Marianne had an epiphany when she was just a small child. It was a simple one, yet one that carried her throughout her entire life. She received a message from her Creator. When she tried to share it, it simply came out: "God wants us to be happy." She always felt her telling of it fell short of her experience, because the original message was accompanied by the conviction of its truth. Nevertheless, that knowledge comforted her innumerable times throughout her life and tried always to pass it on. She would recall times of extreme stress or grief during which she would suddenly and without reason be filled with joy. She said it was like getting a hug from God. She frequently wished she could better share her faith but those who know her would be the first to say she shared her faith every day through her words and actions. While Marianne believed that salvation comes from God's grace and is a gift without strings, she was also a firm believer that "faith without works is dead," and put her faith into action. Marianne felt strongly that parenting was her first calling. After raising her own four children, she became a foster mother because she felt it wasteful to not put her parenting experience to good use. She fostered many children over the course of several years some of whom kept in touch with her years afterwards. One reconnected with her recently and described her as "an amazing, loving person who taught me things that have helped in my life." She frequently saw God at work in her life. Once, when looking for a way to express her gratitude to God, a thought kept coming to her mind: "Call Mrs. Bills." She knew Edna Bills as a seamstress in town. Because she didn't really have any reason to call her, she hesitated. Shortly after having these prompts, Mrs. Bills called Marianne and introduced her to the Salvation Army. Not believing in coincidences, Marianne became very involved as a volunteer for the Salvation Army, frequently employing homeless or unemployed as the bellringers in Caro. She believed strongly in interdenominational cooperation in managing societal problems and became involved with the Good Samaritan Fund. She was instrumental in the formation of the Tuscola Homeless Coalition. She took so many calls for the Tuscola Homeless Coalition, that when she finally "retired" from direct service, she had to donate her personal telephone number as it had become so closely tied to the organization. In addition to these accomplishments, Marianne authored an article published in Prevention Magazine in 1979 about her and her husband's experience helping their youngest son with his encroaching deafness; and she published a cookbook entitled, The Third Century Cookbook. Left to cherish her memory are her four children and their spouses, Michael Karpovich, and his wife, Pamela, of Caro, Kathy Gwizdala and her husband, Paul, of Caro and Mobile, Alabama, Christopher Karpovich and his wife, Julie, of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, Lisa Sanchez of Bay City; three grandchildren, Xandrea, Brandon and Roman; and two great-grandchildren, Willow and Zion. In addition to her parents and husband, Marianne was preceded in death by her brother, William Evert Swern, Jr. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Dr. William Sanders of the Watrousville United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Good Samaritan Fund. Visitation Information Date: Saturday, January 15, 2022 Time: 9:00 am End Time: 11:00 am Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Saturday, January 15, 2022 Time: 11:00 am Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, January 15, 2022 Indianfields Township Cemetery Address: 989-673-2428 | Map Burial will follow at Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro.