Carolyn Ann Ernst's Obituary
Carolyn Ann Ernst, 89, passed away on December 18, 2024, in Imboden Creek Senior Living and Rehab. Born on February 16, 1935, in Decatur, IL to Vincent R. “Benny” and Opal P. (Wiggins) Ernst, she was one of eight children and the last one to leave this earth. She was a loving daughter, sister, cousin and aunt and is reunited with her parents, siblings and other relatives for all eternity.
Carolyn was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and was a 1952 graduate of St. Teresa High School where she was the Homecoming Queen. In February of 1957 she began employment in the orthodontic practice of Drs. Winters, Williams and Staley and continued employment with Drs. Slusar and Bishop and Hage Orthodontics. She retired in July of 2000 at the age of 65 after 43 years. While working she helped provide home care to her sisters Janie and Barbara during their illnesses and after retirement to her brother Bob. Over the years she enjoyed watching family members participate in various sports and was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs. A highlight for her was to see the Cubs win the World Series during her lifetime. She co-hosted countless and fun family get-togethers, bowled, played tennis and traveled to Ireland to explore her Irish roots and to see the beautiful and vivid green landscape.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; sisters: Janet, Margaret Jane “Janie” and Barbara; brothers: Thomas “Tommy”, John “Jack”, Robert “Bob”, David “Butch”, and sister-in-law Mary Ann (McDonald) Ernst. She is survived by her sister-in-law Marie Ernst Rademacher, “a most important friend in my life”; nieces from Marie and Jack: Janet Ernst (Ron Neideffer), Lisa (Jim) Feriozzi and Mary Ann (Jim) Pollard; niece from Marie and Joe Rademacher: Kathryn “Katie” Rademacher. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Karen (Reeves) Ernst; nieces from Karen and Butch: Martha Jane Ernst and Amy (Ron) Grove; nephews from Karen and Butch: David Ernst Jr., John (Rachel) Ernst and Vince (Lani) Ernst. She is also survived by seven great-nieces, three great-nephews, three great-great-nephews and one great-great-niece and cousins, friends and former co-workers.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday (12-28-2024) at St Patrick’s Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Father Chris Comerford will officiate the service. Private burial in Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, St. Patrick’s School and to Calvary Cemetery in care of St. Patrick’s Church.
The family would like to thank the many caregivers, staff, volunteers and visitors that Carolyn has had over the last three years.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.moranandgoebel.com
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