On August 24, 2024, Carole Lennis, at the age of 89, quietly slipped away while holding her daughter Marie's hand. After a 9-year battle with Alzheimer's, Carole left us to join her husband, Robert, grandchildren Angelique and Aiden, plus a multitude of extended family members, at the heavenly party.

Family was the cornerstone for Carole Cecelia (O'Bryan) Lennis. Born and raised in Detroit, Carole loved the laughter and fun of being within a large family. As the fifth of eight children in the O'Bryan household, she was rarely alone. Hanging out with her brothers, Ron and Roger, they were the three musketeers 'Ro-Ca-Ro', getting into mischief or caring for their disabled little sister, Marie.

Carole was an all-A student, cheerleader, and player of high school basketball, which caught the attention of Bob Lennis, an all-state basketball player. After dating for 5 years, their marriage added another 61 ½ years. Their love brought eight children into the Lennis family.

Not knowing how to sit still, Carole jumped in to help her husband with finances to support the growing family. A waitress, a secretary, a banker and insurance claims adjuster were just a few of her paid positions. Carole was outgoing, eager to know more, becoming involved in her church and community, as well as improving herself. Her faith and devotion to the Catholic church led her to be a Eucharistic Minister, lector, choir member, and daily rosary participant at Sacred Heart Church in Dearborn and the Basilica of St. Paul in Daytona Beach. She loved the Immaculate Heart of Mary, hosted the traveling statue of Mary into her home numerous times and had many rosaries in her possession, so she was never without one!

A leader in all she did, as President of the local chapter of the League of Women voters, she fought for women's rights. A proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. While being a volunteer docent

for the Henry Ford Mansion in Dearborn and the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona, she educated others with a love of learning.

By invitation of the mayor, she became a member of the Library Council in Dearborn. She was a volunteer with the Dearborn senior center and loved to sing. Carole brought joy to others by becoming 'Ci Ci' the clown and volunteering her time in parades, hospital visits and holiday parties.

Carole loved being surrounded by family. She is survived by her 8 children and their spouses: Lynda (Lennis) and Pat Sarb, Rick Lennis, Nancy (Lennis) and John Hawkinson, Ray and Debbie Lennis, Ron Lennis and Rachael DiMeo, Marie (Lennis) and Jim Budny, Tessa (Lennis) and Matt Zavadsky, and Robert Lennis and Susana de la Fuente. Carole was blessed with 23 grandchildren. The grandchildren are now continuing the legacy with an additional 30 great grandchildren and 2 more on the way.

Our mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother, Carole, was a presence that will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia Research Fund.

To donate online, please click the following link: NKH Research Donation Link

Or mail donation to:

NKH Research Fund

215 Jordan Hall of Science

Notre Dame, IN 46556-4627