Carol F. Carr
Carol Elaine Franke Carr
April 7, 1940 – May 29, 2025
Carol F. Carr, age 85, is survived by her three daughters: Cathy Carr (Jim Hogan), Julie MacDonald (Sean), and Wendy McCleary; her five grandchildren, Kelly and Michael MacDonald, and Katie, Shannon and Jenna McCleary; her sister Marilyn Oliver, her sister-in-law Beverly Scandrol (late Elroy), and other close family members. She was married for 59 years to the late James E. Carr (passed away 3/20/2021) and was a sister to the late Richard Franke (late Elke) and was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Edna Franke.
Carol was born in Washington D.C. and moved around, growing up in St. Louis, MO (University City) and Mt. Lebanon, PA, where she met Jim. She attended and loved Penn State University, where she enjoyed being a member of the Alpha Phi sorority. Julie and Wendy went on to be Alpha Phis, creating quite the legacy. After two years, she transferred to the University of Tennessee, as she got engaged to Jim, her high school sweetheart. Carol and Jim got married before they graduated, where Carol received her Business Administration degree. They then moved to Illinois, where they raised their family in La Grange, IL. She was a stay-at-home mom where she was also a Girl Scout Leader. She loved to bake, shop, play the piano, listen to 50’s and 60’s music and plan family vacations. They enjoyed seeing friends at Sunday School class for years, at the First United Methodist Church in La Grange. Carol loved the song, Que Sera, Sera, by Doris Day and her favorite colors were red, white and blue, as she loved the American flag and all patriotic songs. Carol and Jim also spent over 10 years living in Green Bay, WI, which was their favorite place in which they lived. They even became Green Bay Packer fans! In retirement, Carol and Jim enjoyed spending their winters, in Bradenton, Florida, summers in Burr, Ridge, IL and most of all, time with their family.
A short memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, La Grange, IL on Saturday, June 14th at 10 a.m., followed by light refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s Association | Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Help
Additional Information: 708-352-6500
My only sister had a wonderful life until health issues intervened. Our family vacations were something to remember— traveling by car constantly complaining to our parents “she’s on my side”, all while in a sedan, three kids squished in the back seat. Our parents took us all over the country each summer. ..often camping along the way—on cots under mosquito netting at places with only cold water. Truly wonderful memories of a 50’s family enjoying the good life! Fortunately, our dad took lots of pictures which will keep Carol in my mind. I cry for her pain throughout the last decade and am thankful she’s finally at peace. Love from, Marilyn
Julie, I’m sending my deepest sympathies to you, Sean, Kelly, and Michael. You were such a devoted daughter to your mother these past few years as she declined. I know firsthand how very difficult it is to be a caregiver for our loved ones, and you did the job so well with great love, compassion, and little complaint. Your mom is now at peace.