Carol Rae Cook

Carol Rae Cook (née Smith) Age 89 of Joliet, IL passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Serenity Estates in Morris, IL. Born January 11, 1937 in Joliet, IL, Carol was the daughter of Earl Livingston and Mildred Louise (née Clugston) Smith. She was raised in Joliet and remained closely connected to the community she called home throughout her life. In September of 1955, she married Jerome Stewart Cook. Carol spent many years working in office administration. She began her career as a secretary at Joyce 7-UP in Joliet before moving on to other positions and eventually becoming a payroll clerk for the Joliet Park District, where she worked for many years until retiring in 2008 at the age of 71. She found joy in the simple things and especially loved doing things for the people she cared about. Carol crocheted mittens for her family, enjoyed sewing, and was well known for the deviled eggs she brought to family gatherings. Music was also an important part of her life, and she enjoyed playing the piano, singing, and listening to Elvis Presley. Above all, Carol was a kind and gentle woman who deeply cherished her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured every moment she was able to spend with them. Carol was a member of United Grace Methodist Church in Joliet, and later attended Christian Life Assembly in Diamond. She is survived by her three daughters, Kathy (Ivan) Kane of Wheaton, IL, Cheryl (Doug) Money of Braidwood, IL and Brenda (Jay) Carr of Danvers, IL. Carol was a loving and devoted mother who took great pride in her daughters and the families they built. She was the proud grandmother of Kandyce (Cisco) Bermudez, Julie (Justin) Walsh, Allison (Eric) Alt, Amber (Kevin) Housman, Andrew Kane, James (Brittany Sorensen) Money, Jason (Amber) Carr, Joshua (Laura) Carr, Julia (Matt) Morlock and Taylor (Jim) Stange, and great-grandmother of twenty-two great-grandchildren. Carol found great joy in watching her family grow through the generations. She was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Jerome; and her sister and brother-in-law, Faye and Bob Wheeler. A visitation will be held Monday, April 13, 2026 at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home and Crematory in Braidwood, IL from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. with Randy Adams officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Joliet, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s name may be made to Lightways Hospice in Joliet. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit Carol’s online guestbook at www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook. R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory 401 E. Main St., Braidwood, 815-458-2336 www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com

Carol Rae Cook

January 11, 1937 - April 8, 2026

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Carol Rae Cook

January 11, 1937 - April 8, 2026

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Local Florists

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About Us

Plan Ahead

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Grief & Healing

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