Carolyn Fortman Paine

VERONA, Wis. - Carolyn Mary (Fortman) Paine, age 88, of Verona, Wis., passed away on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, at Badger Prairie Health Care Center. She was born on Aug. 23, 1933, in Lansing, Mich., the daughter of Charles J. Fortman and Mary (Winslow) Fortman. They predeceased her. Carolyn graduated from Michigan State University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse. She later graduated from Wayne State University with a Master of Science in Nursing Education. Carolyn married Philip Hunter Paine on May 17, 1958, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lansing, Mich. They returned to Aurora, Ill., where Mrs. Paine was employed a Charge Nurse in the Maternity Ward of Copley Memorial Hospital. Coincidentally, Carolyn’s oldest son, Steven, was born on this same unit in March of 1959. Mr. Paine was employed during this time at the former Gates Lumber Company. He predeceased Carolyn in July of 2004. After relocating to Fremont, Mich., in January of 1960, she worked part time at Gerber Memorial Hospital occasionally until the birth of her youngest son, Alan, in October of 1961. From this point, Carolyn devoted her life to raising her sons through early childhood. For several years, she was employed as a summer Camp Nurse in various YMCA camps, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and Gerber Boy Scout Reservation. During her sons’ high school years, she returned to earn her master’s degree commuting twice a week from Saginaw, Mich. to Detroit. Often, she flew on the then Republic Airlines to and from Detroit, then taking a taxi to class. These travels were often referred to with little affection but a smile on her face as “flying the Vomit Comet.” The primary reason for obtaining this master’s degree was to provide the opportunity for her sons to attend college without having to obtain financial assistance. Following completion of her Master’s, she was instrumental in the formation of the first regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Saginaw General Hospital, Saginaw, Mich., in the early 1970’s. She then began teaching as a Clinical Nursing Instructor at Delta College, in the Saginaw / Bay City area. From there she moved to Mid-Michigan Community College in Harrison, Michigan. Following a change in employment for her husband, she returned to her alma mater, Michigan State University to complete her teaching career. Carolyn is survived by her two sons, Steven Michael (Cathy Johnson) Paine and Alan Craig (Sally) Paine; and grandson, David Philip-George (Dani Brazelton) Paine. Predeceasing Carolyn was her sister, Charlotte (William) Westphal; and two brothers, Charles (Mary) Fortman Jr. and David Charles Fortman. David’s wife, Jeanie, remains as a dear Aunt to Steven and Alan. Additionally, Carolyn has three surviving nephews, Robert (Lori) Westphal, Craig Fortman and Christopher (Kerri) Fortman. Carolyn prided herself on caring for her husband and sons. While teaching, she was known to be fair but “tough.” She insisted on her students becoming the best nurses that they could be. She was known to begin each class term/semester by telling the students that if she could not feel comfortable with the skills that they were about to learn in a manner to allow them to take care of her personally, she would be concerned about their career choice when trying to care for others. This was especially true when they were to care for the child of another. A mausoleum-side service will be held at EAST LAWN MEMORY GARDENS, 2400 Bennett Road, Okemos, Mich., at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. At the request of Carolyn’s sons, Steven’s fiancée, Rev. Cathy Johnson, Interim Head of Staff at Christ Presbyterian Church in Toledo, Ohio, will officiate. Interment will follow immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a Memorial contribution in Carolyn’s name to Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, Wis. Steven and Alan are indebted to the care and professionalism provided by all the caregivers at the Badger Prairie Health Care Center in Verona, Wis. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI (608) 442-5002