Carla A. Forslund

Carla Ann Forslund, devoted mother and grandmother, beloved wife and sister, lifelong teacher and artist, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was the light in every room she entered and will be missed tremendously by those she leaves behind. She was preceded in death by her brother, Roger Covell, and by her bonus-son Wesley Mercer. 

She is survived by her husband, Blake Forslund Jr; her son Steven Mercer (Kirsten), her bonus-daughter Debbra Boonstra (Frank); her grandchildren: Gabriel Boonstra (Samantha), Elijah Boonstra, Haven Boonstra, Wilder June Mercer and Cosmo Abbott Mercer; and by her brother Richard Covell (Marcia), her sister Deanna Covell (Rich), her sister-in-law Cynthia Covell, many nieces and nephews, and her dear friend Theresa Robinson. 

Carla was born on February 23, 1951, to her loving parents Harvey and Eloise Covell, who raised her in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her siblings Roger, Dick and Deanna. She attended Union High School in Grand Rapids and received her undergrad degree from Michigan State University. She received her Master's in Special Education from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Carla was a natural born teacher, teaching arts and crafts and swimming at the YMCA as a teenager and spending her entire adulthood in the teaching profession. She taught preschool, elementary school, high school, and even senior citizens with Jenison’s Community Education program. She spent the last fifteen years of her career teaching special education classes for the Grand Rapids Public Schools. She was a true artisan: a painter, quilter, seamstress, needleworker and found beauty and art all around her. She was a detailed party planner and could be found dancing at the center of every party she attended. She loved new adventures and traveling the world with her husband Blake. They spent precious time in New Orleans with her son Steven, his wife Kirsten and Wilder June and Cosmo Abbott, creating countless memories. She believed in spending time with those she loved, investing in them and sharing laughter that will never be forgotten. She listened to and cared deeply for her students, her friends, and for all of her extended family. She was a member of the West Michigan Ski Club and made many wonderful friends while also serving the organization in many capacities. She volunteered alongside her husband Blake with the Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association. Carla loved the outdoors and could be found skiing on mountain tops well into her seventies.  Carla found peace camping all over her beloved Michigan with Blake in their vintage trailer “Dee-dee”.  She was a profound believer in living your life to its fullest and not wasting a single moment. We hope you will embrace that belief and remember her in those moments when you find yourself standing atop a mountain, facing a new challenge, gazing upon a magnificent sunset, or surrounded by your loved ones.  

Please join us in honoring Carla’s life: 

Celebration of Life: May 20, 2026, at 11:00 am 

Northlawn United Methodist Church 1157 Northlawn St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505  

A luncheon will be held at the Casino Club of Grand Rapids 3260 Salerno Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 immediately following the memorial service. 

Visitation: 

May 19, 2026, 6:00-8:00 pm at Memorial Alternatives 2432 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 

May 20, 2026, 10:00-11:00 am; prior to her Celebration of Life at Northlawn United Methodist Church.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carla A. Forslund, please visit our floral store.