Carole Ann Murray

In loving memory of Carole Ann Murray, who passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, in Clinton Township, Michigan. Carole was a kind, generous, and deeply loving woman whose warmth and sweetness touched everyone who knew her. Carole was an accomplished attorney who devoted more than 35 years of her professional life to public service, serving as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in both Macomb and Wayne Counties. During her tenure at the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, she distinguished herself as a formidable and highly respected trial attorney. She made history as the first female chief of any unit within the office when she was appointed Chief of the Drug Unit, a role in which she set an unprecedented standard for leadership and excellence. Later in life, she continued her legal career in private practice, bringing the same integrity, compassion, and strong sense of justice that defined her years in public service. A principal trial attorney, Carole served as lead prosecutor on numerous high-profile capital felony cases, including murder and carjacking prosecutions, as well as many major drug ring cases. She was widely regarded as a star prosecutor, known for her meticulous preparation, commanding courtroom presence, and unwavering pursuit of justice. In addition to her trial work, Carole played a central role in training and mentoring new prosecutors, generously sharing her knowledge, experience, and high professional standards. She brought dedication, integrity, and commitment to her work at a level that left a lasting mark on the office and the broader legal community. Above all, she was a tireless and compassionate advocate for victims of crime. Carole was deeply loved and respected by colleagues throughout the legal community. Her enthusiasm for the law was infectious, and she was known as both a cheerleader to fellow litigators and an empathetic, steady presence when challenges arose. She offered support freely — to lawyers on both sides of the courtroom — and her legacy lives on in the many careers she shaped and the lives she touched. Carole treasured her family. She was the devoted mother of Elizabeth Sidwell and her husband, Matthew Sidwell. She was an adoring and deeply involved grandmother who took immense joy in her grandchildren, Kasey Peshek, Connor Peshek, and Gray (Hogan) Slobig, with whom she shared an especially close and loving bond. She is also lovingly remembered by her step-grandchild, Kai Sidwell, and her grandson-in-law, Ezekiel Slobig. Carole was very close with her nieces and nephews, holding each of them dear and maintaining strong, meaningful relationships with them throughout her life. She is survived by her brother, Walter McGrail, and his wife, Sue McGrail (née Adams). She was preceded in death by her parents, William Joseph McGrail, Sr. (“Bill”), and Mary Ann (Kielb) McGrail, and by her brother, William Joseph McGrail, Jr. (“Bill”), and his wife, Cathy McGrail (née Boyle). Of Polish and Irish descent, Carole spent her life rooted in Michigan, where she built a life defined by kindness, dedication, and quiet strength. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her generous heart, and the love she gave so freely to her family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who loved her.

In keeping with her wishes, Carole was privately cremated.