Obituary of Carolyn Rose Troha
Carolyn Rose Troha
(née Kaluzny)
Carolyn “Carol” Rose Troha passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Monday, November 3, 2025, in Joliet, Illinois. She was born on June 24, 1941 and was a lifelong resident of Crest Hill, Illinois. Carol’s generous spirit and loving heart touched many lives throughout her 84 years. She was devoted to family, faith, and her community.
Carol was a proud graduate of Lockport Township High School and dedicated much of her professional life to the retail field. Most notably, she worked at Barrett’s Ace Hardware in downtown Joliet for over 25 years.
Her greatest work, however, was found in service to others. A longtime parishioner of St. Anne Church in Crest Hill, she actively participated in the Council of Catholic Women (CCW). She gave generously of her time through her involvement in the Lioness Club and as a volunteer in countless community efforts. At Richland School, she was lovingly known as "The Popcorn Lady", served as President of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and was on the school board for 8 years. She was also in charge of the Crest Hill Baseball concession stand for many years.
Carol’s generosity also extended to the performing arts community. She volunteered for an astounding 38 years at the Rialto Square Theatre, a testament to her enduring commitment to others. Although she served in many roles at The Rialto over the years, her greatest contribution was being in charge of concessions where she earned the nickname “The Cookie Lady”.
Bowling was Carol’s favorite hobby. She bowled for over 60 years in the Joliet area and many of her favorite teams and leagues were hosted at Town and Country Lanes.
Her vibrant personality and presence were the cornerstone of her family—she never missed an event, a game, a performance, or a milestone. She was often the first one to arrive and the last one to leave.
Carol leaves behind a legacy of love through her children, Michael (Lois) Troha and Michelle (Isaac) Blenck; her five adored grandchildren, James Troha, Charlotte, Ethan, Brooke, and Madison Blenck; and her sisters, Dale Ann (the late Rodney) Brockman, Mary (Randy) Miller, and Patricia Pavnica. She will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James A. Troha; her cherished granddaughter, Katherine Troha, who passed away in infancy; and her parents.
Funeral Services for Carolyn Rose Troha will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to St. Carlos Acutis Parish, 1705 Burry Circle Dr., Crest Hill, IL for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432. In honoring Carolyn’s life, we remember a woman of profound kindness, endless compassion, and a heart as full as any could be. Her memory will live on in every cookie shared, every show enjoyed, and every act of grace extended in her name.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
