Carol Ann Fenech (née Hempenstall), age 86, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, went home to her Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 14, 2025. She passed away peacefully, reunited in eternal life with her beloved husband,  Terrence Anthony Fenech.

Carol was born on February 13, 1939, in East Detroit, Michigan, to Charles and Evelyn (Vilet) Hempenstall. She was raised in East Detroit and later lived in Eastpointe, Michigan. Carol met her husband of 65 years, Terrence Anthony Fenech, while working at the Auto Club of Michigan in downtown Detroit, where she was employed in the Personnel Department. They were married on May 17, 1958. As they built their life together, Carol converted from Methodism to Catholicism, embracing the faith that would guide her family and her life.

Together, Carol and Terry raised three children: Michael, Todd, and Shannon. Their family lived in Dearborn Heights, Monroe, Ida, and Big Rapids before settling in Grand Rapids in 1970, where they made their longtime home on Keeweenaw Drive.

Carol worked in the Legal Department at Meijer, Inc. in Walker, Michigan for more than 35 years, where she developed lifelong friendships and played a role during the development of Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, including the arrival of the Da Vinci Horse — a source of great pride for her.

After retirement, Carol and Terry spent eight joyful years in North Fort Myers, Florida, in the Lake Fairways Community, where they lived as neighbors to Terry's brothers and their spouses (Tom and Cheryle and Steve and Jan), sharing family life, community friendships, and countless memories before returning to Grand Rapids.

Carol's faith was central to her life. A devout Roman Catholic, she was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Monroe, St. Jude Parish in Grand Rapids, and St. Therese Catholic Church in North Fort Myers. At St. Jude, she served on the Stewardship Committee and supported parish and school life alongside Terry.

Carol loved music and singing and was a longtime member of Sweet Adelines International. Like her husband, she also loved the game of golf and especially treasured time on the course with family and friends.

Family was Carol's greatest joy. She will be remembered for her kindness, hospitality, gentle humor, and steady presence. She gave of herself fully to those she loved.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Terrence Anthony Fenech; her parents; her brother, Charles Laverne Hempenstall; and her granddaughter, Erin Marie Greene.

She is survived by her children: Michael (Jane) Fenech of Coopersville; Todd (Laura) Fenech of Rockford; and Shannon (David) Ambrose of Grand Rapids; her grandchildren: Stephen Fenech; Scott (Lindsey) Fenech; Stepfanee (Brent) Dubay; Sierra Fenech; Matthew (Grace) Fenech; Lauren Fenech (Zeke Crossley); Emily (Chris) Melnick; and Benjamin (Taylor) Greene; her great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Jude Catholic Church (1120 Four Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525) on Friday, January 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow in St. Jude's Brophy Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sweet Adelines International , in honor of Carol's lifelong love of music.