Carole L. Johnson

Carole Lucille Johnson, 84, of Rockford, IL was called to her heavenly home on Sunday, October 2, 2022. Carole possessed an unequaled love for her family and many friends and above all was a devoted daughter and caregiver to her parents.

Carole was born December 17, 1937 in Rockford, IL to parents Lace and Lucille (Folio) Johnson. After graduating from Harlem High School in 1955, she went on to earn her teaching degree from Illinois State University, Class of 1959. She eventually went on to earn her Masters from University of Illinois. She dedicated 38 years to teaching 2nd and 3rd graders with the majority of her years spent in Sussex, WI. Her students and their families became her extended family and she kept in touch with many for the remainder of her life. After retiring from teaching, she worked as a realtor for Prudential Crosby-Adelman, a Sales Associate at Bergners and volunteered her time at the OSF St. Anthony gift shop. Carole was a longtime member of St. Rita Catholic Church where she served as an usher and a faithful volunteer. She was a proud member of her bridge and book clubs. Carole loved spaghetti and always was up for a game of cards or a cup of coffee with friends…and an occasional brandy. She enjoyed traveling all over the world and experiencing new cultures, often with her teacher companions. She had a special talent for shopping and was always impeccably dressed. She enjoyed antique shopping and restoration with her beloved best friend, Beth Robare. She and Beth became fast friends on their first day of teaching as neither left the house unless their shoes matched their handbags. She loved driving to her “Stay Vacation” spot in Lake Geneva, WI where she often took her mother to enjoy shopping, dining and found peace, in her later years, with her memories while gazing at the water. Carole was always present to support her many loved ones at every sporting event, dance and violin recitals, graduations, weddings and holidays. Her gentle, steadfast presence will be greatly missed.

Those left to honor Carole’s memory include her brother, Lace Johnson of Scottsdale, AZ and her sister, Mary Linda Johnson of Rockford; her special caregivers, whom she referred to as her guardian angels: niece, Sheri (Mike) Dienslake, niece, Sally (Pat) Roscoe and Goddaughter, Nichole Robare Hoey (Clif Morris); grandchildren of her heart, Tabitha (Spencer Murdoch) and Ethan Hoey; niece and nephews, Marsha Johnson, Stephanie Jones, Jennifer (Curtis) Scribner, Julie Stone, Diane (Tom) Kisting; Jeff (Cindy) Johnson, Jim (Noi) Johnson, several great-nieces and nephews and great great-nieces and nephews. Carole was a blessed “aunt” to the Robare children, Shawn (Kim) Robare, Bridget (Dan) Balsley, Jeff Robare and Joel Robare. The family wishes to thank friend, Vicky Robare Cooling, for her love and support during this difficult time.

Carole is predeceased by her parents; her siblings, William T. Johnson and Betty J. Larson; nieces, Debbie Johnson and Carrie Lynn Larson; nephews Billy Johnson and Tommy Kisting, numerous special aunts and loving canine companion, Crockett.

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass located at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave. Loves Park, IL 61111. Final resting place will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carole’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org/donate or Poor Clare’s.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com