Carol A. (Wissemes) Foley

Carol A. Foley (nee Wissemes) 81, loving wife of Joseph for almost 60 years; fond mother of Melissa (John) Fuller, Jennifer (Alan) Mocny, Carrie Foley, Marjorie (Jose) Paredes, Maribeth (Arthur) Young and John Foley; proud grandmother of Brian (Emi) and Robert (Anna) Fuller, Conner, Sean and Allison Mocny, Lauren (Michael) O'Malley, Bridget (Brandon) Lucas, Colleen Fuller, Andrew, Keira and Aidan Paredes, Sarah Young, Aileen (Joseph) Davis, Thomas (Kenzie) Young and Claire Young; great grandmother (G.G.) to Greyson Fuller, Dylan and Abigail O'Malley, Joseph and Luca Fuller, Charlotte Davis and baby girl Fuller on the way.  

"Surrounded by a large and intimate family, Grandma cultivated a unique, loving relationship with every member; touching the lives of each person who had the pleasure of having a conversation with her. As an active listener, she made each grandchild and great-grandchild feel special when sharing essential moments of their lives during “Grandma Time” at family gatherings. Personally, I never felt unnoticed when in the presence of my grandma. Always taking into account small details, her little acts of kindness made our relationship special. She managed to never miss a birthday phone call and always thoughtfully ensured there were accommodations for my food allergies. Having a relationship with my grandma was an absolute blessing and her impact on my life has created an everlasting presence. During the times that she will be missed the most, simply look to the flowers, the cups of tea, the sky, or the Jewel Osco parking lot, and she will be there, forever and always."   -Allison

"When I imagine how I will remember my grandma, I think of walking into her house for Sunday dinner to find her in the kitchen preparing some taco salad and pausing so that she can come give me a welcoming hug. I think of her wielding a large knife a little too casually as she cuts “grandma slices” of birthday cake. I think of her infectious laugh that turns her entire face into smile, a laugh that was most likely the result of her initiating a teasing session with someone. I think of her nodding her head at the dining table with glass of red wine in hand. I think of her asking one of her children to pour a glass of Coke for their dad, for she always was thinking of my grandad and how she might show care to him. I think of how proud she was to be asked to be my confirmation sponsor and how seriously she took her relationship with her faith. I think of her yelling “achtung” to whatever dog happened to be in the house. I think of her walking over to me at the pool in Wisconsin Dells with sunscreen in hand ready to slather it on me because she never got over the one time she forgot to put some sunscreen on my cheeks when I was 5 and I got incredibly burnt. I think of her doing her classic dancing to one of her favorite musical songs. I think of the last “grandma time” session we shared in which she spent the time to ask every single one of her present grandchildren for the highlights of their week. I think of how each time I would say goodbye she would wish me well and say how she missed me and how I knew she truly meant it. I believe my grandma to be the most loving, generous, and caring person I have ever met. When I think of unconditional love, I will always think of her, and I, her Big Banana, will spend the rest of my life hoping only to emulate a fraction of the genuine care she had for everyone but especially her family. My grandma will be incredibly missed but her spirit of family, care, openness, and fun will be carried on by us all."  -Sarah

"Grandma was one of the kindest people I knew, and she was one of my biggest supporters. With her loving advice and kind heart, I always felt like I had someone cheering me on. Grandma always encouraged me to be myself and be proud of who I was, and this allowed me to be the person I am today. She was funny, sweet, intelligent, and such a strong woman. Having a conversation with her and spending time together always brightened my day. I looked forward to seeing her so I could tell her about something new in my life; she made me feel excited to share a story. My favorite memories with her will always be “Grandma Time,” where we would share the highlights of our week. It was one of the things I looked forward to on Sundays, and I will always cherish that time.  Grandma made me and many others feel so loved, with her kind laugh and happy personality. I looked up to her strength and kindness, and she will always be one of my greatest role models. I love you Grandma, and I will always cherish you."  -Keira

She will be forever loved and forever missed

Visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 12:00 p.m. at St. John Cantius Church located at 825 N. Carpenter St. in Chicago. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove. For information please call 847-685-1002 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com