Caroline M Smith

Caroline M. Smith, 83, Bolingbrook, Illinois

Caroline M. Smith, 83, passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, 2023 with family by her side.

Caroline was born in Marion, Illinois on July 16, 1940, the firstborn child of Charles and Margaret Porter. Soon after graduating from high school, Caroline married Roger Smith, whom she called the love of her life. Together they moved to Hawaii and began a life that spanned 63 years and included the birth of two children and three grandchildren. She and Roger moved with their family to Minnesota, Iowa and several towns in Illinois. After the children were grown, Caroline continued to set and achieve many goals, including becoming a kidney dialysis technician. The same warm, funny and welcoming personality that created long-lasting friendships also instilled confidence in Caroline’s patients. At times in life when her family, friends or patients needed strong and compassionate guidance, Caroline was there. In good and in challenging times, Caroline had a deep and abiding faith. She was loved and respected in this world not only for what she achieved but for who she was. She will be remembered always and missed eternally.

Caroline was predeceased by her husband and her parents; her sister Nancy Gorby; brother Steven B. Porter; niece Linda Grace and mother-and father-in-law Dorothy and Karl Kilborn as well as sister-in-law Jane Kilborn; nephew Karl Van Kilborn II; brothers-in-law Richard Kilborn and Kevin Kilborn; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Kilborn and Helen Kilborn; daughter-in-law Patricia Smith as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Caroline was the beloved mother of Kimberly Johnson and Roger Smith (Alba Colmenares); dear grandmother of Brianna Smith, Cassandra Smith and Allyson Smith. Caroline was also a loving sister-in-law to and is survived by: Jon Kilborn, Donna (Gary) VanPelt, Joel Kilborn, Karl Van Kilborn, Lance Kilborn (Sue Ralph), Linda Kilborn and Cheryl Kilborn (James Tarchinski), Elaine Kilborn, Patricia Kilborn and Suzanne Sullivan. She was a beloved aunt to Charles Fowler, Julie Zimmerman, Margie Trimble, Caleb Porter, Steven Porter, Shelly Solinski, Kim Kilborn, Denise Wrisley, Troy Wrisley, Jeff Kilborn, Nelson Hurst, Sherri Siebert, Lisa Roper, Lori VanPelt, Terri Podgorniak, Lance Kilborn, Brooke Kilborn, Kevin Kilborn, Joel Kilborn, Lauren Pauwels and Robert Tarchinski. In addition, many grand nieces and nephews and cousins survive. Her two precious pets – Reba, a 22-year-old Westie and Scottie, her newly adopted 6-year-old mini Poodle – both lived their best life with Caroline.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Hayes Funeral & Cremation Service. Visitation will be held at the Care Cremation Center, 33 E. Montrose Drive, Romeoville, IL on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Private interment will be at later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in Caroline’s memory may donate to wishes of the family at the visitation or give to the Young at Heart Pet Rescue on the charity’s Facebook page or mail to Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions, 4301 S IL Route 47, Woodstock, IL 60098.

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