Carmen Garratt

Carmen Maria Garratt, age 93, born on February 16, 1933, in Kearney, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home in Battle Creek, Michigan, on March 4, 2026. She married Donald Garratt on May 16, 1980, and together they blended families from prior marriages.

Carmen earned her bachelor’s degree after attending both Michigan State University and Nazareth College. She was a lifelong “Spartan Fan” and reveled when they beat those Wolverines. Her education and lifelong continuing education laid the foundation for her successful professional career in the healthcare industry. During her 30-year career, she worked at Lakeview General Hospital and Albion Hospital before retiring as a manager at Olsten Health Services. She was well respected for professionalism, compassion and commitment to her colleagues.

Carmen is survived by her husband, Donald Garratt of Battle Creek; her children, Stan Wawzysko of Ceresco, Lorraine Wawzysko of Climax, Tod Wawzysko of Rose Hill, Kansas, Kim Wawzysko of Rutherfordton, North Carolina, Tony Wawzysko of Battle Creek; her stepsons, Steve Garratt Fox of Chicago and Tom Garratt of Battle Creek; as well as her grandchildren, Erik, Kristin, Nick, Jeff, Michelle and Jonathan.

Carmen had a passion for various hobbies, which included quilting, knitting, traveling and horseback riding. She thrived on adventure, embracing activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, sailing and downhill skiing. One of her favorite locations while traveling was on the Florida beaches enjoying the marine life, walking on the beach and watching the sunsets.

She is preceded in death by her father, Louis Wallays, her mother, Maud (Wilson) Wallays, and her sisters, Betty Hoover, Margaret Haffenden, and Gabrielle Wallays. Carmen wishes that all who knew her will remember her spirit, passion to enjoy all that life has to offer and live each day to its fullest as life is truly a gift.

In leu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association or The Clearwater Marine Aquarium rescue fund.