Carolyn R. Knisely

Carolyn R. Knisely

April 2, 1934-June 9, 2026

Carolyn Rae(Smith) Knisely was born in Rochester, MI 4/2/1934 to parents Lula A. (Scribner) and Stanley Smith. She grew up in Rochester and Auburn Hills with brother Charles and attended Pontiac Central High School where she graduated 1952 and where she met her brother’s friend William J. Knisely, Jr (Bill); who would become her husband and perfect life partner.

Carolyn attended U of M Nursing School and upon graduation married Bill in 1956. The two moved to Washington state for 2 years for Bill to complete his military service. They then returned to Pontiac and soon built their home in Rochester, where they lived for over 60 years.

They were a hardworking and fun loving couple who were hosts to many family & friend gatherings, holiday dinners and fun vacations with their friends and children Kim and Randy.

Carolyn retired after Bill from her nursing career at OBGYN of Bloomfield Hills, where she was fondly known as “Mother Superior”.

Carolyn loved her work family, hosting family holidays, antiquing, UofM Football gatherings and her beloved church family.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill (2023) Brother Charles & Sister in law Jean Smith, son Randall Wayne (2016), grandson Travis W. Fleming (2024), Sister in law Carolyn “Sue” Jenks, brother in law Robert Jenks and brother in law Ray Carter.

She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Bob) Fleming of Lincoln, MI, Sister in law Donna Carter of Davison, Granddaughter Erin (Jamie) Pons of Ann Arbor, Grandsons Alex Knisely of Waterford and Matthew J. Mercier of Linden and honorary granddaughter Lily Smith of Hartland. Carolyn cherished all her nieces and nephews & their families and her 6 great grandchildren (Mila, Maisie, Mason, Emmy, Senna, Josie).

Carolyn is also survived by her “bonus” siblings Kevin Smith, Kola Smith and Kyler Gresset of Texas.

Carolyn will be remembered always as “our family nurse & caregiver,” for her devotion to family and friends and her fondness for cardinals, as evidence by her extensive collection.

Memorial services for immediate family and friends to be scheduled for early fall in Rochester. The family asks that friends and family consider donations to their local Alzheimer’s support Group Or Hospice of Michigan or your local Hospice organization.