Gwendolyn Carroll

Gwendolyn Rees Carroll died January 13, 2018, at Skaalen Nursing Center in Stoughton, Wisconsin. She was born on September 24, 1929 in Chicago, the daughter of George and Alma (Cervinka) Rees, and attended Morgan Park High School. She graduated from Carleton College in 1951 with a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Literature, and was inducted into the honor society Phi Beta Kappa. She earned a Master's degree in Education from Northwestern University in 1953, and taught 7th grade in Blue Island, Illinois before her marriage to Dr. Charles H. Carroll in 1956. Chuck and Gwen built their dream home in Wayne, Illinois, a (mostly) peaceful 4 acre retreat that at its peak bustled with three boys, several horses and sheep, and a variable menagerie of cats, dogs, fish, and wildlife.

Gwen inherited a deep love of music from her father, and became an accomplished classical pianist and opera afficionado. She also loved gardening and mystery novels and television programs. She possessed a keen intellect that she liked to test with crossword puzzles (the harder the better), and could easily recite from memory long poems and songs that she learned in childhood. She dedicated most of her adult life to helping others. After her sons were grown she worked part time as the receptionist for her husband's medical practice, and was his sole caregiver for a decade after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Following his passing in 2000 she enjoyed volunteering with the University of Illinois Extension as a Kane County Master Gardener, drawing on her considerable knowledge to advise the public on their gardening questions. She also taught horticultural therapy classes at Delnor Glen Nursing Home, was a volunteer friend of the St. Charles Public Library, and worked with non-native English speakers who sought to improve their language skills.

Gwen is survived by her sons Alan Carroll (Wendy Crone), Thomas (Elena) Carroll, and Douglas (Miriam Abe) Carroll; Grandson William "Liam" Carroll; and nephew George (Melanie) Rees. She is preceded in death by her husband, father, mother, brother (Walter Rees), and sister-in-law (Nancy Rees). A memorial will be held 1-4 pm on April 14, 2018, at the Baker Community Center, 101 S. 2nd Street, St. Charles, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of the St. Charles Public Library.


Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
Olson-Holzhuter
206 W Prospect Ave Stoughton
608-873-9244