Obituary of Sr. Carole von Buelow, OSF
Sister Carole (M. Michaelette) von Buelow passed into eternal life July 9, 2023, at Ascension Villa Franciscan Place at the age of 85. A native of Chicago, she joined the Joliet Franciscans on September 1, 1956, from her home parish, St. Clement, Chicago, Illinois. Her ministries included teaching high school biology, serving as dean, assistant principal, principal, education consultant, director of curriculum, and in retirement, a volunteer of presence and prayer.
Sister Carole von Buelow was born to the late Winifred (Geary) and Bodo von Buelow. She was preceded in death by her sister, Carlene (von Buelow) Cottone, and her brother, Robert von Buelow. She is survived by her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, colleagues, students, and many friends. She will be fondly remembered and missed by the many people whose lives she touched with knowledge and inspiration.
Sister Carole attended St. Clement High School, Chicago, Illinois, and the College of St. Francis (University of St. Francis) in Joliet, Illinois, where in 1960 she received her BS degree in Biology. She continued her studies as St. Mary University, Winona, Minnesota, where in 1971 she earned her MS in Biology. She continued studies at the University of Texas, Kent State University, Walsh University and the University of Akron. Before her appointment as principal of St. Louis School, Louisville, Ohio, (1996) she taught biology and chemistry at St. Francis Academy, Joliet, Illinois, (1961-1967), was a teacher/dean at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Louisville, Ohio, (1967-1991) and Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the Office of Catholic Schools (1991-1996) Youngstown, Ohio. She was a consultant in the development of “Show Me the Way” a new teacher mentor program used by the diocese of Youngstown. Sister Carole served the diocese on the Diocesan Assessment Committee and was a facilitator of child protection classes. She was instrumental in the development of the Ohio Catholic Schools Accrediting Association. She also oversaw the schools’ transitions from the “chalkboard to the computer.” In 2012 Sister Carole received the Golden Apple Award for her excellence in teaching and her talent to inspire learning. Teaching was truly her calling. She once said, “Working with students, parents, teachers and other colleagues has always been a challenge I have loved.”
Sister Carole brought balance to her busy life by gardening. She enjoyed entertaining, cooking, reading, and playing cards. Gardening and being with nature refreshed her soul and brought her calm.
Visitation for Sister Carole von Buelow will be held at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory (3200 Black Road) Thursday, July 13, 2023, between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service and sharing of memories at 2:30 p.m. There will be a viewing at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (404 N. Hickory St.) before the 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. All are invited to attend.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Sister Carole von Buelow or another Joliet Franciscan Sister, please send your memorial to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, IL, 60435.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
