Carol was born and raised in Delray, that small southwest part of Detroit, to first generation Hungarian-Americans, Frank and Marion (née Fodor) Erdei.
Carol attended Holy Cross Grade School in Delray through 7th grade and then the family moved to Lincoln Park where she completed high school. As a child she learned to play the violin, enjoyed her dolls and spending time on the family farm. As she matured into a young woman, she loved everything about fashion: clothes, jewelry and was a knockout "Marilyn" blonde.
In her lifetime she worked a variety of jobs throughout her life including but not all: Polk Publishing Co, tended bar at the Coolidge Inn and Brown Derby in River Rouge, Scott Paper Company followed by Stroh's Brewery where she was one of the first three women hired for the all-male Brewhouse. Our family had its own Norma Rae against all those men in making sure the company made accommodations for women because initially they had to share the men's restroom and there was only one woman per shift so it made for uncomfortable situations. Ultimately, she finished out her work career at the College of Creative Studies when she retired at the age of 75!!
Carol loved her Tigers (Tygees as she called them), Wings and despite the disappointments, was a Lions fan as well.
She loved working in her yard, keeping it neat and tidy, having the plushest grass anywhere!, doing puzzles and watching old movies. Most especially, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Carol is survived by her children: Michael (Patricia), Michelle, and William (Elizabeth); grandchildren: Andrew (Andrea), Nicholas, Michael (Holly), Jeremy, Daniel (Emily), Samantha (Jason), Kaleigh and Jeffrey (Lesly); great-grandchildren: Janie, Myles, Jaxon, Leina, Allan, Lillie, Marley, Aidan, Nolan, Sabra, Georgia with three on the way: Wade, Hazel and Violet; and many beloved cousins.
Carol was preceded in death by her life partner, Marvin Fedruk; her parents, Frank and Marion Erdei; brother, Frank Erdei and his life partner, Lorraine Girardi; and granddaughter, Amanda Plensdorf.