Obituary of Carol Lee Shoemaker-Saif
Carol Lee Shoemaker-Saif, age 85, of Joliet, passed away peacefully, Saturday, November 27, 2021 at home, with her loving family by her side.
Born August 8, 1936 in Joliet, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Clara (Mores) Shoemaker. She was a graduate of Joliet Township High School, Class of 1952, and received her Bachelor’s degree from Lewis University and her Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University.
Carol’s calling in life was to be a teacher and she pursued that career with a passion that extended over 43 years, first in New Lenox, and then with Joliet Public School District 86, where she taught early childhood special education and primary general education. During retirement, she continued teaching at Acacia Academy in La Grange, a therapeutic day school, and as a volunteer at the Will County Adult Detention Center.
When not in the classroom, she was actively involved in the life of her parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Small Faith Groups, and participated in the planning and design of their new parish hall. Carol also volunteered at the Rialto Theatre.
Carol was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother whose loves and interests included gardening, reading and music, being at their cabin in Pennsylvania, enjoying the mountains, but most importantly, spending time with her grandchildren. She will be especially missed in the fall and during Christmas, her favorite times of the year.
Loving and open to everyone, Carol will be remembered for her strong beliefs, not being afraid to express them, and her love of teaching.
Surviving are her beloved husband, James L. Shoemaker-Saif of Joliet; three loving children, Christopher (Stephanie) Batozech of Joliet, Jennifer (Kenneth) Parson of Shade Gap, PA, and Susan Ruettiger of Joliet; her adoring grandchildren, Zachary Batozech, Samuel Terlep, Molly Batozech, Jessica Parson, Nickole (William) Mellott, and Alex, Elizabeth and Samantha Ruettiger; one great-grandson, Keaton Mellott; one brother, Robert (Joanne) Shoemaker; two sisters, Paula (the late Roy) Gardner and Denise Thiel; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and her beloved dogs, Nigel and Ozzy.
A Memorial Mass for Carol Shoemaker-Saif will be held Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 337 S. Ottawa Street, Joliet, where family and friends are welcome to visit from 9:30 a.m., until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. Cremation rites have been accorded and interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lightways Hospice, the former Joliet Area Community Hospice, (www.lightways.org) would be appreciated.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
