Obituary of Carolyn Jean Lavrack

In Loving Memory of Carolyn Jean (Ceslick) Lavrack

December 4, 1947 – October 18, 2025

On the morning of October 18, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family at McLaren Hospital in Flint, Michigan, Carolyn Jean Lavrack, a woman of extraordinary strength, heart, and fire, took her final breath. She left this world as she lived in it: on her own terms, with courage, grace, and love that refused to quit.

Born in Flint on December 4, 1947, Carolyn grew up with a spark that never dimmed. She met her soulmate, Maurice Lavrack, in seventh grade, and together they shared nearly sixty years of unwavering devotion. Their story began with one of their first dates ice skating at Forest Park (now Max Brandon Park), and from that day forward, they built a life of laughter, loyalty, and perseverance. They married on February 12, 1966, the birthday of her beloved grandmother, Eva Broughton and together raised four children who carry her strength in their hearts.

Carolyn gave everything she had to her family and her work. After being laid off from General Motors, she returned to school and earned an Associate’s Degree in Writing from the University of Michigan Flint, followed by a Nursing Degree from Mott Community College. She went on to serve as a Critical Care Nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Flint, where she cared for her patients with the same devotion she gave her loved ones. When GM called her back to work, she returned and continued her career there until her retirement in 2000. Known for her preci.  sion, strength, and unwavering work ethic, Carolyn gave 300% to everything she touched.

At home, Carolyn was a whirlwind of energy and creativity. She was a passionate gardener, beekeeper, baker, seamstress, winemaker, karaoke singer, and photographer and a gifted writerwhose editorial writings appeared in the Flint Journal. She did nothing halfway. Whether she was tending her vegetable garden, making a peanut butter pie, sewing Halloween costumes, or singing karaoke with her grandchildren, her attention to detail and drive for excellence made ordinary things beautiful.

A proud Descendant of Mayflower  Pilgrim Edward Doty and “Father of Astrology” Luke Broughton, Carolyn embodied her ancestors’ courage and intellect. But her truest legacy was the fire in her heart, her fierce loyalty, her quick wit, and her willingness to stand up for those she loved. If you were lucky enough to be in her circle, you knew she’d go to battle for you without hesitation.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Patricia (Broughton) Ceslick, brother Timothy Ceslick, sister Jacqueline (Ceslick) Schmidt, and brother Michael Ceslick.

She is survived by her husband Maurice Lavrack, her children Chari (Lavrack) and Rob Cross, Chantell Lavrack, Shelley (Lavrack) Bigelow and Ryan Leach, and Maurice and Heather (Carpenter) Lavrack; her grandchildren Conner and Amy (McMillan) Bigelow, Kalie (Lavrack) and Jim LaFave, Wyatt and Ashlyn (Smith) Cross, Jacob Lavrack, Beau Cross, William and Mayu (Sato) Cross, and Jacques Lavrack; and her great-grandchildren Josie Cassels, Henry Leach, Callahan LaFave, and Lola Jean Bigelow, who were her pride and joy. In addition to brothers Edward Ceslick, Daniel Ceslick, and Patrick Ceslick. 

Carolyn’s life was proof that strength and tenderness can live in the same heart. She worked hard, loved deeply, and left a mark on everyone who crossed her path. She will be remembered not only for her perfectionism and fire but for her laughter, the many talents she shared, and her unshakable love of her family.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.