Toni Rae Carey

Toni Rae Carey, 62, of Channing, passed away peacefully at her home on December 10th, 2016 surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Toni was born on October 7, 1954 in Ishpeming, Michigan, daughter of the late Earl and Alice (Johnson) Arola. She was a 1972 graduate of Republic High School and a 1975 graduate of St. Luke's School of Nursing in Marquette. Toni was a registered nurse known and loved by her patients for her compassion, kindheartedness, and intelligence. She worked at Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming before moving to Iron Mountain to work at the VA Hospital from 1979-1987. She finished her career at Dickinson County Hospital where she worked on the surgical and medical floors until 2006. Toni married Jim Carey on March 1, 1980 at the United Methodist Church in Republic, spending nearly 37 wonderful years together. Toni and Jim settled in Sawyer Lake where they raised three children and made an incredible life for themselves. Toni enjoyed gardening, collecting recipes, rose mauling, and creating rag rugs on her 100 year old loom. She loved to walk with her golden retriever Ponsse, ride her bike, and cross country ski. Toni and Jim enjoyed camping and traveling together and attending their kids sporting events over the years.Toni was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and dog owner. She was very proud of her heritage and enjoyed any and all things Finnish. She was and will forever continue to be an inspiration to everyone who knew her, especially to her husband and children. Toni had a heart for caring for people, and had so much love for her family and friends. Toni was a member of the United Methodist Church in Republic where she attended throughout her life. Toni's family would like to give a special thank you to everyone at Mill Creek Senior Living Community in Marquette. The personal and loving care Toni received during respite stays was like she was at home. The help Mill Creek gave us at home in the last week is greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank Sandy Blockland for the care at home she gave each day. Toni is survived by her husband, Jim; 3 children, Ryan (Kylie) Carey of Humboldt, MI, Lindsay Carey at home, and Erin (Justin) Dillon of Witch Lake, MI; 5 grandchildren, Carver, Finley, Sawyer, and Scout Carey, and Lucy Dillon; 2 sisters, Connie (Dennis) Valenti and Wanda (Dave) Holsworth, both of Republic.Toni was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Alice Arola, two unborn children, and her mother-in-law, Joanne Carey. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until 12:00 pm(noon) CST on Thursday, December 15th at the St. Rose Church in Channing. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm at the church. Pallbearers will be; Ryan Carey, Justin Dillon, Wade Holsworth, Chad Bruno, Jim Battye, and Brian Nurmi. Burial will be in the Sagola Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been set up at mBank of Marquette (857 W Washington St, Marquette, MI 49855) in Toni's name for the Alzheimer's Association. Make checks payable to The Toni Carey Memorial Fund. Condolences to the family of Toni Carey may be expressed on line at ernashfuneralhomes.com

Toni Rae Carey

October 7, 1954 - December 10, 2016