Erin Michelle Carey

Erin Michelle Carey, 33, of Battle Creek, passed away Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at home.

Erin was born June 28, 1983, the daughter of Craig S. and Sherida A. (Hover) Carey. She was a 2001 graduate of Pennfield High School where she enjoyed volleyball and theatre. She also attended the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center. After high school, she attended Kellogg Community College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College before moving to Portland, Oregon. While there, she worked tirelessly in the mortgage business while pursuing her love of nature, hiking, and camping in the mountains and national parks. She returned to Battle Creek in 2005, after her second niece was born. She was extremely devoted to her two nieces, Ashley and Natalie, who were the light of her life. Erin also had a great sense of compassion for friends and family. She was an essential caretaker for her grandmother on a daily basis.

Erin's personal passions and talents were centered on the fine arts. She enjoyed working in, and admiring various artistic forms including wall art, painting, sculpture, poetry, creative writing, music and literature. One of her favorite mediums to work with was paper mosaic. Visiting the Salvador Dali Museum was a highlight in her life. Erin was drawn to artistic culture and enjoyed poetry slams as well.

Erin is remembered fondly in a number of ways. She had golden red hair, a kind heart and a love for children and animals. A diehard cinephile, she appreciated and shared all aspects of movie & TV filming. Animated films, in particular, she enjoyed because they made her laugh and lifted her spirits. Crème Brûlée and Alfredo were her favorite foods, and she loved her marshmallows, just because...

Erin struggled with some darker things in her life as well, and one of those things was addiction. It was a fight that she lost in the end. One of the most important things in her life was being a good example for her nieces. She's no longer with us to live as an example of success, but in her passing, she can not only be an example to her nieces, but also to numerous other children and young adults that were always in the forefront of her mind. She spoke frequently of the sadness she felt for people who were as inexperienced as she was, stepping into the struggle that she has fought so hard against, simply out of curiosity and naïveté. If Erin could have walked away, she would have. If she could have gone back in time and stopped herself, or the people close to her, that she lost for the same reason, she would have. Now that Erin is no longer with us, if her passing can be the example that keeps someone from even trying heroin, she would volunteer her story in a heartbeat. Even though her story came to a close, sadly, and much too soon, if a life can be saved because hers was lost, her goal of setting a good example will carry on.

Erin had many friends and family members who loved her, and who continue to cherish the time and memories they shared with her. She is survived and missed by her parents, Sherida and Craig Carey; brother, Brian Carey; sister, Katlyn Carey; nieces, Ashley & Natalie Carey; grandmother, Maxine (McConnohie) (Hover) Sowers; aunts and uncles, Sandra Hover, Mary (Carey) & Russ Guarniere, John Carey, and James Carey.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Barbara (Wolfe) Carey, and grandfathers, Sherwood Carey and John Hover.

A Life Remembrance is being planned Sunday, October 9th from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the Eagles Lodge, 19757 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Please bring memories and stories to share with friends and family, or a box will be available in which to drop "Letters to Erin". To all who have given their love and support during this difficult time, we sincerely thank you. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to "Families Against Narcotics"(FAN), 163 Mason Rd., Battle Creek, MI, 49015, or to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Erin can also be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.