Carole Ann DeCarlo, 78, the widow of Ronald Joseph DeCarlo, died peacefully on Thursday Dec. 24, 2020, at her home in Lake Forest, Ill. Carole battled cholangiocarcinoma cancer for two and a half years with amazing courage. She never complained, kept a positive attitude and always tried to make sure that her family and friends didn’t worry about her. She was a caring and selfless person. Carole had a strong faith in God and was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She regularly attended bible studies and book clubs where she met many of her close friends. A vibrant and creative woman — Carole enjoyed books, sports, photos, dogs, board games, crafts, holidays, decorating and staying connected to her family and friends.
Carole was born on Sept. 29, 1942, in Morgantown. She met her husband, Ronald, in high school. Ron and Carole had three children and Carole followed her husband’s career with General Motors to Dayton, Ohio and Rochester Hills, Mich.
She is survived by her three loving children, John (Julie), Mark (Angie) and Heather (Mark) Vitale; her sister, Linda Kiselica; and a brother, Ran Smith. She was a cherished Nana to six grandchildren: Anna, Caroline, Johnny, Michael, Matthew and Mitchell. She was a dear friend to her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and she was a loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 991 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, Ill. at 10 a.m. Jan. 8, 2021. A private inurnment will be held at David’s Cemetery in Kettering, Ohio, where Carole will be buried next to her husband and her mother, Christina French Smith.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to JourneyCare to help other cancer patients have a peaceful end of life experience.
Carole, you were a unique blessing to all who knew you. You will be missed dearly by all of your family and friends, may you rest in peace.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Northern Illinois Funeral Services Inc. 847-833-2928.
