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BORN
1952
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Carole Smith Obituary
Carole Ann Smith (nee Hamann), age 69, of Homewood, formerly of Dolton and Hazel Crest. Beloved wife of John Smith. Loving and adoring mother of Allison (Bill) MacDonald and Noreen (Shane) Rutledge. Cherished grandmother to Lincoln, Fitzgerald, Elle, Henry, and William. Dear daughter of the late Mary Jane and late Harvey Hamann. Cherished sister of Bob (Jill) Hamann, Michael (Pat) Hamann, Pat (Ron) Hofkamp, Peter (Grace Schouten) Hamann, Jim Hamann, Katie (late Pat) Devitt, and Joseph (late Sheri) Hamann. Dearest sister-in-law to Carol Hammond, Linda Smith, Susan Smith, James Smith, Frances (Edward) Brindle, Thomas Smith and Michael (Jennifer) Smith. Loving aunt of Dan (Katie) Hofkamp, Paul (Erin Spicer) Hamann, Elizabeth (Mark) Wilson, Adrianne (Bill) Blonn, Nick (Sara Anderson) Hofkamp, Maureen(Tony) Biros, Margaret (Daniel) Coppoth, Rachel (Jim) Sokoloski, Angela Hamann, Abby Hamann, Brianna Ogden, Mary Frances Hammond, Julia Hammond, Linda Sue (Robert) Shillito, Sarah Stewart (Oren Williams), Greg (Renee) Stewart, Meghan Rickelman, Jeffery (Lillian) Smith, David Orion Brindle and Ian Smith. Godmother of Dan Hofkamp. Fond cousin of Jim (Susan) Main, and the Schaefers: Joan, Dick, and Sue. Dearest friend to many.
Carole was born in Chicago on November 25th in 1952. She grew up in Dolton with her family and attended Queen of Apostles grammar school in Ivanhoe. For high school, she went to St. Willibrord in Chicago, where Carole participated in many activities such as, corresponding secretary for student council, and president of the self-proclaimed Breakfast Club. She also was on the newspaper staff and wrote the popular column called Hamann’s Highlights. After graduation, Carole went to the College of Saint Francis to study History and became the Director of Intramurals where she expanded athletic recreation to everyone on campus.
After graduating from Saint Francis, Carole found her true vocation in education and coaching. She found a passion for helping students find their confidence. Carole started working at Holy Rosary (Irish) in the Roseland community. After taking time off to start her family, she continued on at St. Anne’s in Hazel Crest, and eventually at James Hart School in Homewood where she really found her groove. Carole had a knack with providing a calm sanctuary for every student to feel their worth and celebrate every success no matter small or large. She was a pillar of James Hart’s mission that every student will learn and be served. In addition to teaching at Hart, Carole was the head girls’ volleyball coach and was honored to coach the inaugural girls’ softball program. As a coach, Carole no doubt wanted to win, yet she also had the ability to recruit athletes’ with coachable qualities, to harness their strengths and improve, no matter their ability.
Carole was the third of eight children. Her unwavering love for her family showed in her every action. Growing up, she enjoyed playing all thing sports, keeping up with her brothers and the neighborhood kids. Her love for softball and volleyball followed her throughout her entire life. She found love and comfort from her family and community, learning the importance of empathy.
She married John in 1987 and moved to Hazel Crest. The same year, they were blessed with Allison, and Noreen two years after. Together they made lasting family memories. Spending summers in Daytona Beach Shores to visit her Aunt Margie, Uncle Les, and the Main family. Carole also enjoyed visiting John’s parents in Arkansas and siblings around the country. She also graced her presence at the Lightning Bug Festival in Tennessee, and abroad to Ireland, England, Bermuda, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
As a mother, Carole provided a space of love, nurturing, and growth for Allison and Noreen. She loved them for exactly who they were and gave them the support and guidance to meet their full potential. She signed the girls up for every activity, ensuring their childhood was robust. As Carole’s family grew, the affection followed suit. As a loving mother-in-law turned all-consuming Grandmother, in the best possible way, her grandchildren became her main focus. As a tribute to her Grandma Alice Schaefer, she took on her grandma responsibility with a sense of adventure, encouraging them to play, hike, swim, and explore the world around them.
Carole’s community was always important to her. She made it priority to be involved, to help where needed. From art mom, President of Homewood Softball, and St. Joe’s volleyball coach and coordinator; she always showed up for her girls and Homewood. Her aim was to inspire, improve, and enhance everyone’s lives.
Carole was a devout Chicago White Sox fan. In 2005, her White Sox gave her the greatest gift. She loved talking Sox and, when needed, made sure they could hear her through the television. She had a lifetime of wonderful, fun, and entertaining memories at her happy place, Comiskey Park.
Resting at the Tews Funeral Home on Friday, August 12, from 3-8 pm. Funeral on Saturday at Saint Joseph in Homewood for Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30 am. For additional information contact 708-798-5300.
Memories and Condolences
for Carole Smith
Ray Rickelman
August 18, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. After all these years, she’s still one of the best people I ever knew. We always talked White Sox. Carol also once gave me a photo of Gale Sayers scoring one of six touchdowns in a game. That picture is still up on a wall in my home. God bless you Carol. You are loved and missed and you touched many people.
Michael T. Miller
August 16, 2022
I am very saddened by this loss she will be missed. I would see her every Saturday morning at the Sports Complex with Volleyball.
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Bob Ward
August 14, 2022
A wonderful, beautiful woman who always showed her beautiful spirit has been sent home to be with Our Savior. Just hearing ot reading your name brought a smile to my face. Rest In Peace Carole
Morgan Mallory
August 12, 2022
Giving honor to God for the life of Carol Smith. Carol was one of my coaches with the Homewood Heat traveling softball team with Rose Herweck. Carol had one of the most infectiously funny and kind personalities of anyone I´ve met. She had a warm heart and treated all of us girls like we were her own children. Allison and Noreen, I´m so sorry about the loss of your mom. Please find comfort in knowing that she touched the hearts of many including mine. Rest in eternal peace with God Carol.
With all my heart,
Morgan Mallory
Sheldon Mallory
August 12, 2022
I was so sorry to hear of your passing. You were always a voice calm and reason between Rose and I. The peace you brought to all will be missed. Blessings to John, Allison & Naureen
Sheldon
Sandra Pignotti
August 12, 2022
I taught with Carole at St Ann’s. We were a close knit group of women, who with Carol’s leadership—academically and spiritually—made it such a special place. She really took the reins and helped us all be the best and do the best for our students. I remember her love of her family and sports, her positive attitude, and her faith that so was so evident in all she did.
My condolences to all her family. May she Rest In Peace in God’s.
Alléshé.
August 12, 2022
I am beyond blessed to be taught by someone so wonderful. Mrs. Smith taught me more than just math. She taught me that it´s okay to be human and make mistakes. Her passing brings sadness upon my heart. May she Rest In Peace.
Nancy Newgren
August 11, 2022
I was so saddened to learn that Carol had passed away. She was a wonderful person and a very inspiring educator. My thoughts and best wishes go to her husband John and her daughters, Allison and Noreen and their families.
The Nieves Family
August 11, 2022
Our deepest condolences to Carole's entire family. Carole was a treasure and Homewood will never be the same without her. She was a great coach to our daughter and many other kids. Carole was unassuming, kind, funny and respectful of all. She was dedicated to our community and we thank her for that and her family for sharing her. Carole, you will always be in our hearts!
Alicia Florence
August 11, 2022
So sorry to hear of Carole passing. I met her when she was my daughter Jessica’s softball coach. I found her to be a caring and funny person. She will be missed.
Herbert Priebe
August 11, 2022
We talked many times at Sport activities, where she coached and I reffed or umpired. It was always a great pleasure, those heartwarming chats.
Rest in peace my friend!
Karen Orseske
August 10, 2022
So, so saddened to hear this devastating news. Your sibling chain has broken, but not weakened. Such a fun, crazy and wild cousin. Always and forever a White Sox fan. With deep love come deep sorrow. Stay strong, cousins.
james tiernan
August 10, 2022
She was a great softball catcher. RIP Carole
Jeffrey Forte
August 10, 2022
To the Hamann family:
May pleasant memories of a life well-lived by Carole sustain you all during this difficult time.
Margaret DeWilkins
August 10, 2022
I am saddened to hear of Carols passing. I knew Carol through my sister. Many a evening spent at Nick’s sports page having a few cocktails. She was always the life of the party. She always had a smile on her face, and up for anything. My condolences to the Hamann family. And her husband children and grandchildren. You will be missed Carol❤
Chuck Kubin
August 10, 2022
Some of my fondest memories growing up are of the many (and most) weekends and holidays we spent with our cousins, Carole and the Hamann and Schaefer families. We were especially close, together from birth. So many good times, usually including a few rounds of flashlight tag after dark.
Carole was always a good soul, exuding friendship and kindness, and the smile in her photo was the face you could expect to see.
I imagine Carole is sitting with her folks and my grandparents in the front row behind first base in White Sox heaven.
This one's for you, Carole. The road has risen up to meet you, and you know the rest.
Bob Elling
August 10, 2022
John and girls we’re so sorry for your loss of your terrific mother and spouse. Our many summers at little lake pawpaw in coloma mi come to mind with all of the kids playing and Carole sitting around the cottages listening to White Sox games and drinking beer with all of us. Love always, Cheonghi and Spurs Elling
Tom Hampton
August 10, 2022
Carol was a special person. I've known her since childhood and she always made me laugh. She had to be a great teacher because she was such a giving person. My condolences to the Hamann family. God bless her.
Robert & TJ Coppoth
August 10, 2022
Thoughts and prayers to Carole's family, peace.
Shawn & Tom Kirby Schell
August 10, 2022
Loved Carole, such a wonderful person who will be dearly missed. She was my CCD teacher back at Queens and friends ever since. Sending love and prayers to Carole’s family and all.
Sarah Stewart
August 9, 2022
I remember following a toddling Allison around the house in Ogden Dunes and baby Noreen - and your mom was a natural love. So chill and great to be around. Always great to catch a Sox game with. And made time to see me when I was in town. She was so happy at Allison’s wedding! She really loved her family. Thank you for including the nieces and nephews - I was really touched. Great obituary for an incredible woman. I will miss you Aunt Carole, and we’re here for you Uncle John, Allison, and Noreen.
Colleen Hogan
August 9, 2022
My Family has many fond Memories of Carole at St. Anne´s, she even convinced me to coach Cheerleading!! What an awesome person. Our Condolences
Joe and Tracey Smigielski
August 9, 2022
We were so saddened to hear of Carole´s passing. She was one of the first people to welcome us the day we moved in across the street, even offering to pull together a human chain to help get our furniture in before it started raining. Watching her with her grandchildren was one of the bright spots living here and that bright light will be missed. To Carole´s family friends, we are so very sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Adrienne Martello
August 9, 2022
So very saddened to hear of her passing. She was truly an amazing person and my son was blessed to have her as a teacher. She was so patient and kind and giving of her time and she made such a big impact in his life. I am so grateful for that. She will be missed immensely. Our condolences to her entire family.
Cathy Jones
August 9, 2022
Such an amazing person. Carole, you are very missed and will be for a long time to come. Prayers to the entire Smith family.
Bob Adduci
August 9, 2022
RIP Carole Smith, dearest next door neighbor of the Adduci’s in Homewood Southgate subdivision. Prayers and condolences to her husband John, as well as her sweet daughters Allison and Noreen. Godspeed Carole on your journey to heaven. You will be missed by so many and were loved by so many friends and your family. We missed you at the Fest this year. Out hearts are broken and we were shocked by the news. Love, Jo, Bob, Andrea and Rob Adduci
Peter Lowther
August 9, 2022
We are very sorry to lose you. Best wishes to all of the family.
Joe Diorio
August 9, 2022
So wonderful to have met her. Best wishes to Noreen. I’m so sorry this day..
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