:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/73GHZAE3TCPUCB6KPD7WABZC24.jpg)
MERRIWEATHER, Mich. – Carolyn Maves, 58, of Merriweather, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2017, unexpectedly in Merriweather.
She was born Carolyn Janet Higby on Jan. 26, 1959, in Seattle, the daughter of Kenneth Edwin Higby and Janet Elizabeth Higby. Carolyn was a 1977 graduate of Hinsdale Central High School. She married George Maves on March 3, 1989, in Dixon, and in the fall of 1989 they moved to Merriweather with her three sons. She was co-owner of the Hoop N Holler Tavern in Merriweather for 28 years with her husband, George, where they welcomed all with open arms and hearts.
Carolyn was an active member of the Lake Gogebic Chamber of Commerce and Gogebic Area Grooming, where she held various titles and wore many hats during her time as owner of the Hoop N Holler. Carolyn was deeply committed to the Lake Gogebic community, and continuously promoted the beauty of the Lake Gogebic area. All who lived in and visited the Lake Gogebic area felt her generosity of spirit, and she taught her descendants the importance of hospitality, community, and caring.
Carolyn cherished her family above everything. She enjoyed family reunions, holidays, and spending time together. Carolyn loved hosting friends and family, gardening, and preparing her delicious recipes for all to enjoy. Carolyn adored her grandchildren beyond what words can express, and the sight and sounds of her grandchildren brought her great happiness and joy.
She is survived by her husband; three sons, Josh (Amanda) Lopac of Bergland, Michigan, Bryan Lopac of Marquette, Michigan, and Chris (Angela) Lopac of Lake Mills, Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Ava, Mason, Samuel, Augustine, and Luciana Lopac; stepchildren, Susan (Marty) Swegle of Dixon, Sherry Ditzler of Polo, and Scott (Chris) Maves of Dixon; and stepgrandchildren, Evan, Lauren, Elizabeth, Katie, Jacob, Ethan, and Jesse. Carolyn also is survived by her sisters, Susan Hodkiewicz of Columbus, Wisconsin and Tara Stephenson of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania; her niece, Julia Ellefson; and her nephews, Jonathan Hodkiewicz and Alex and Will Stephenson.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service celebrating Carolyn's life will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Hoop N Holler Tavern in Merriweather.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Hope Animal Shelter in Ironwood, Michigan.