With great sorrow and heavy hearts, the family of Carole J. Janel announce her passing on August 16, 2024, at the age of 82, with her daughters by her side.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many.

Carole was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 22, 1942, to Raymond and Angeline Ericson. She graduated from Hirsch High School in 1960. After high school she married the love of her life, Tom, and they spent 49 beautiful years together raising their four children, Kim, Thomas "Tommy", Jill and Scott in the Chicagoland area.

She was raised in a Christian home as a child and her lifelong devotion to serving the Lord has been apparent throughout her life. She had a long history with Stone Church and the highlight of her week was attending Sunday morning services. She started serving as a Missionette leader and participated in several musical productions. She volunteered at Royal Family Kids Camp and always made herself available to serve in the church kitchen during activities and events.

She was extremely crafty and this opened up a world of opportunity for her because she loved to work with her hands. She started doing upholstery work, custom curtains and sewing projects to bring in some extra income. In her later years she grew especially fond of gardening and painting. Watercolor or paint by numbers, she didn't care, she just really enjoyed it. She would turn on her music and get lost in those little pots of paint until the wee hours of the night…or morning!

She also loved a bargain and her interest in finding antiques and thrifting lead her into opening and operating an antique shop in LaGrange, Illinois for several years. Her greatest treasures were found "curbside".

Carole always loved an adventure, and her travels took her from Italy to Florida to California, just to name a few. Her home away from home was in Eagle River, Wisconsin and our family has enjoyed making memories with her up there for over 30 years. But her most memorable trips were family vacations that included quality bonding time and laughter…always laughter…and good food!

Her love and passion for children with special needs brought her the greatest joy. Her commitment as a Paraprofessional in Special Education classrooms lasted well into her golden years.

Carole had a heart of gold and that is what defined her. She always wanted to have parties and get-togethers with family and friends. She would plan game nights, themed dinner parties, craft nights or paint parties. She would prepare for these events well in advance to make sure the stage was set with beautiful centerpieces, candles and always a lovely spread of food. The atmosphere was always so inviting and warm. Exactly the way she would want you to feel.

Although she will be missed by family and friends, we consider ourselves lucky to have been blessed with her beauty, kindness and laughter…beautiful laughter. She was our family's biggest cheerleader, and we are grateful for her example of living life to the fullest. Thank you for loving us and showing us what it really means to be a family…a big, beautiful family.

Carole is survived by her four children, Kim (Dave) Anderson, Thomas "Tommy" (Lonna) Janel Jr., Jill (Sean) Bushnell and Scott (Tammi) Janel along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Adrienne Ericson, several nieces and nephews and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Angeline Ericson, her beloved husband, Tom, and her brothers, Randy Ericson and Barry Ericson, along with her sister-in-law, Debbie (Barry) Ericson and son-in-law Joel Feith.

Celebration of Life and Memorial services honoring Carole J. Janel will be held at The Stone Church (10737 Orland Parkway, Orland Park, IL 60467). Visitation has been arranged for Sunday, September 8th from 4pm – 6pm and Monday, September 9th from 9am – 10am, immediately followed by Carole's memorial service. After the close of Carole's service, you are invited to join us for a luncheon at Fox's Pizza (11247 W. 187th Street, Mokena) to share fond memories and stories with the family.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Gigi's Playhouse in Tinley Park on her behalf - https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/4904ce8b-b85e-4126-aa32-f7b691bf0d08 (scroll down for link)