Meet Carol Jurek, a Lifelong Caregiver and Community Pillar
Born in the small town of Rock in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Carol’s family moved to Kawkawlin when she was still a wee one. Interestingly, she met her husband Tom at his father’s wedding (he was marrying Carol’s aunt) when they were just 16, and they soon fell in love. After high school, Carol went to nursing school in Grand Rapids and Tom enrolled in the army, spending two years in Kentucky. Despite the distance, Tom made long drives and whirlwind visits during his 24 hours off from service just to see Carol for a few hours. Shortly after graduating from nursing school, Carol and Tom tied the knot in 1961 at the age of 21. "Once we were married, his dad became his uncle and my aunt became my mother-in-law," she recalls of their unique familial connection.
After attempting to make their home in Saginaw for a few years, they decided they longed for the country and a more rural neighborhood to start their family. Hearing about the strength of Hemlock schools and the intimacy of the community, they settled on a home in Hemlock in 1963, right near the school, and raised their two boys as Huskies. Kevin graduated in 1980 and Paul in 1984, both going on to Ferris State University.
Carol knew from a young age that nursing was in her blood and launched into a 51-year career in the field. She tried her hand at a variety of roles, from classic hospital work and orthopedic surgery, to being the director of nursing for a home health agency, in-service at a nursing home, local private practice, and even teaching Medical Terminology at Delta College. She fondly remembers adding 'ear piercer' to her list of skills when it was all the rage in the 80s and still proudly has her piercing gun.
She retired from nursing at 72, but hasn’t stopped taking care of living creatures for even a day. Along with tending to a vibrant collection of almost 250 orchids she’s been collecting through her membership with the American Orchid Society since the 70s, she cares for the garden at her church, St. John XXIII Parish of Hemlock, and takes communion to homebound community members every week. Additionally, she volunteers several times a week with Young 5s and Kindergarteners at Hemlock Elementary.
At 84, Carol doesn’t sit still long enough for anyone to notice her age. “My philosophy is, if you move fast enough, old age can’t catch you,” she says with a twinkle in her eye. Besides tending to the young and the elderly, Carol is a skilled quilter, grows and cans her own vegetables, and is well-known around town for her chocolate chip cookies, rhubarb pie, and Christmas treats. She’s built a sweet relationship with our custodial staff over the years, hiring them to help around the yard in exchange for her sweet treats (when they refuse payment).
Tom, who spent 40 years as a claims adjuster with AAA Insurance, and Carol have been married for 63 years. They love to travel, having explored 48 of the 50 states, and have adventured together around Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Africa. They have 2 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. “I’ve had a good life,” says Carol, “and I want to give back. To whom much is given, much is expected.”
We are so grateful for Carol Jurek's presence in Hemlock and her incredible commitment to serving and uplifting our community. She keeps us #HemlockStrong.
#BetterTogether #HumansOfHemlock