Carolyn Marlys Metzger

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved matriarch, Carolyn Metzger, also known as Mimi to many who loved her. Carolyn was born March 29, 1927 in Plainfield, IL to Leslie and Hazel (Dunterman) Jones. Carolyn left this world on January 20, 2022, and is reunited with the love of her life, Herb and her Heavenly Father. She lived through the Depression and was raised by a mother who lived through the Dust Bowl in the Oklahoma Territory. Carolyn survived childhood Polio and grew to be a woman strong in will and character. Her independence was evident as a very young child.

She moved to Lansing, MI at the age of 13 with her two siblings, Richard and Mary Ann and parents. Carolyn enrolled in Michigan State College (now known as Michigan State University) and got her degree in the School of Business. While teaching in Williamston, MI she met Herbert Metzger, between fishing and hunting season. He became her soulmate and all around best guy. They had a true partnership and were married for 62 years. Carolyn’s business acumen came in handy as she helped her husband with his many ventures. Herb said more than once that he couldn’t have accomplished all that he did without her in his life. She was the glue that held our family together and kept everything running smoothly. Later in life, she lovingly was referred to as “the general”.

Carolyn led a life of service and was always involved with giving to others and her community. She served on the founding board for the Ronald McDonald House in Northwest Ohio which was instrumental in bringing the Jamie Farr Classic to the area.  Herb and Carolyn volunteered many years at the Jamie Farr Golf Classic at HMGC. She loved to tell stories of how it all came together. She was the keeper of stories of family history and knowledge about Toledo and all the people that crossed her path. In addition, she was an active member of the Toledo Hospital Auxiliary, serving as president and treasurer. She also was a beloved and active member of Delta Gamma Sorority for 75 years of which she was very proud. She has been embraced by her local sisters and valued all their friendships and bonds. She has been a member of Hope Lutheran Church for 70 years and has supported them in countless ways.  In recognition of Herb and Carolyn Metzger’s dedication to helping children, they were named inaugural inductees into the Toledo Children’s Hospital Fellows Society as Distinguished Fellows in 2001. In 2005, they received ProMedica’s Health Systems Prestigious Health Advocate of the Year Award for their years of service. Their partnership of service and stewardship became a foundation for their children and grandchildren, leading by example. Their legacy has touched so many lives and organizations in the Toledo area. 

Although Carolyn was not a “Soccer Mom” she was a “Swimming Mom”. Carolyn ‘s family was her main focus, always involved and interested in their lives and activities. She had a wide circle of friends and was involved in church bowling league, Bridge Clubs and Gourmet Group. Herb and Carolyn had many lifetime friends who they cherished and loved to spend time with together. They took many trips with these friends which focused on laughter and adventure, and whenever possible for my Dad fishing.  Mom was a sport who would go fly fishing in Alaska or on fishing trips to the wilds of Canada embracing her husband’s passion.  She was a true collegiate sports enthusiast; football and basketball games were often on the television. Carolyn knew the statistics and the coaching history of most of the coaches and loved to share that information with you. She should have been on a Sports Show and one of her daughter’s tried to convince Lee Corso of this when she sat next to him on a plane. 

Carolyn is predeceased by her parents; loving husband, Herb; and her brother, Richard Jones. She is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Eifert; and her three daughters, Sue Metzger (John Hadley), Sally (Jim) Friend and Holly Metzger (John Coonradt). Her eight grandchildren and three step-grandchildren were the “apple of her eye” who lovingly called her Mimi or Meeps. They include, Michael Friend, Kyle (Britta) Friend, Erika Hadley (Adam) Chambers, George (Emily) Hadley, Robert (Janee) Hadley, Stefanie Hadley, Fred Hadley, Mark Hadley, Austin Coonradt, Jake (Heather) Coonradt and Will Coonradt. In addition, she was loved by eight great grandchildren who called her Gigi.

The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers, nurses and doctors who have been part of Mom’s care and comfort for the last ten months.  

Visitation will be at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main Street, Sylvania, OH on Sunday, January 30, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Services at Hope Lutheran Church, on the corner of Secor and Indian, will be held on Monday, January 31, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be considered for Hope Lutheran Church - Salem Project, Assistance Dogs at the Ability Center, of Toledo, The Toledo Zoo or a charity of your choice.  

Link for Hope

https://www.youtube.com/c/HopeLutheranChurchToledo

Or go to hopetoledo.net and scroll down on the homepage to find a yellow rectangle that says “join us on you tube”.

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