Carla J. Rozema, 64, passed away peacefully, no doubt already scouting out the best camping spot in the Great Beyond. Born in Peoria, Illinois to Frank Gorman and Sandra (Pankey) Hodge, Carla lived life the way she liked her coffee strong, on her own terms, and rarely sat still long enough to finish it.
Carla spent her career as an accountant, where she was, without question, excellent at math and even better at making sure everyone else did theirs correctly. When she retired, she promptly decided that “relaxing” wasn’t really her style and started a professional house-cleaning business because apparently to
Carla, a clean bathroom counted as a hobby.
Carla was married to her husband, Rick Rozema, for over 20 years, proving that patience truly is a virtue (and so is a good sense of humor). Together they built a big, blended family full of love and chaos in all the best ways. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Angela Clayton, and a loving stepmother to Phil (Wendy) and Charlie Rozema. She cherished being “Grandma” to Dylan and Aleena Renfrow and Keaton and Emma Rozema, and was known to spoil them at every opportunity grandmothers’ prerogative
If Carla wasn’t working, she was probably outside. She had a genuine passion for camping, boating, and traveling, and never met an adventure she didn’t want to sign up for. Her most loyal travel companion was her beloved dog, Mason, who accompanied her on more adventures than most humans could keep up with.
Carla was also the family’s resident prankster, and you were never quite safe she was always plotting her next joke and counting down the days until she could pull it off. But underneath the practical jokes were someone who showed up when it mattered. She was always ready with a listening ear, a helping hand, and genuine kindness for anyone who needed it, family and friends alike.
Carla was preceded in death by her father Frank Gorman.
Carla is survived by her husband, Rick; her daughter, Angela; her mother, Sandra Hodge; her brothers, Donald, Ronald, and Frank Gorman; her sisters, Michele Selby and Connie Madril; and a wonderful crowd of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren who were lucky enough to call her family.
Carla will be remembered for her hard work, her wandering spirit, her sharp wit, and her huge heart. She lived life fully, loved her family fiercely, and left behind a legacy and probably a to-do list someone still needs to finish.
A memorial/celebration of life will be held at Hidden Creek Clubhouse 4790 Hidden Creek Dr. Holland, MI 49423 September 12, 2026; from 1-4. Light refreshments will be provided.
Comments