Carole Jean (Nicholas) Buskirk, 75, of Dowagiac, MI, passed away Sunday evening, September 27, 2026, at the Orchards rehabilitation center in Three Rivers, MI after a long fight with Alzheimer’s. She was born June 3, 1951, in Kalamazoo, MI, the daughter of Thomas and Harriette Nicholas.

Carole is preceded in death by her parents; brother, David; and sister-in-law, Sylvia. She leaves behind two daughters, Nicole (Lee) and Jennifer (Larry); 12 grandchildren, Brittany (Alex), Dustin, Aaron (Meg), Brett (Mya), Alana (Isaiah), Ethan, Paige, and Molly; 8 great grandchildren, Raylynn, Keanu, Stella, Freya, Pheonix, Oliver, Austin, and Everleigh; and her siblings, Kathleen, Larry (Judy), and Dan.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, starting at 12:00 p.m. at Covered Bridge Farm Pavilion, 56705 Covered Bridge Rd, Three Rivers, MI 49093. This will be a potluck style celebration, please bring your favorite dish to share. In accordance with Carole’s wishes, cremation was chosen and has taken place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart, IN. Memorial donations may be given to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N., Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Carole was an adventurous and fun loving woman who enjoyed life and was never afraid to try something new. She had a love for the water and enjoyed swimming in pools or at lakes. Carole collected Lighthouses as they serve as a powerful spiritual symbol for God and Jesus Christ because they provide steady light, unwavering strength, and safe guidance through life's darkest storms. She loved playing card games, including hand and foot, crazy rummy, murder, euchre, and mahjong; she played the latter with a group of friends at the local library in Niles, MI with her daughter, Jen.

Spending time with her family meant to the world to her. She was a proud grandmother that enjoyed spending time and taking them many places. Carole was a member of the Sisters of the Lakes Community Church and was a devoted follower of her Lord and Savior and was always willing to talk about Jesus with others when they were ready to listen. It was always her hope to meet Jesus and she’d want the same for experience for others, there is no doubt that she is in his loving arms now. On earth, she will be dearly missed by her loving family.