Carole Anne Robeson

Carole Ann Robeson, age 82, died peacefully on January 22nd, 2025. The Kennedy and Robeson family, along with scores of friends, lost a keystone of love, support, knowledge, and laughter!

She was born Jan. 3, 1943 in Braidwood, IL the daughter of Thomas and Adele (Ginter) Kennedy. Carole graduated from St. Francis High School. She was married to Jonathan C. Robeson on Oct. 9, 1965 in Wilmington, IL. 

While moving around for Jon’s work, they raised their 3 children Cherrie, Yvette, and Jonny landing in Elgin, IL. She volunteered as room mom, organized the bazaar, served on school board, and helped with hot dog lunches at St. Laurence. She acted as a reliable taxi service, driving kids to basketball, track, cross-country, tennis, and baseball practices and games. This was a full-time job, yet she still found time to host her girlfriends. Carole worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier until the last of their children were through college. 

As Carole and Jon’s careers came to a close, they packed up their cross-country skis, told their kids where to find them, and set out for a new adventure in Oregon, IL. Carole soon became an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she was warmly welcomed. She was an enthusiastic birder that understood the rhythm of the seasons and what they might bring. She was a gifted artisan who was a member (and former President) of the Country Crossroads Quilt Guild, and a member of the Sew What’s Sewing Club. Carole was a member of the 100 Women Who Care organization, and of course, as an avid reader, her beloved Oregon Library Club.

Over the years, legions would come to Carole’s kitchen table for a cup of coffee, to watch the birds, have a good talk and laugh. In fact, the “laugh” criteria seemed an inherent component to everything she did. Carole was kind, so funny, extraordinarily loving, and so very interested in this world that she just left. Most importantly for those of us left behind she taught us how to love well, how to cherish friends and family, and how to be the best mom there is.

She was proceeded in death by her dedicated husband of 58 years and parents Thomas and Adele Kennedy. Carole is survived by her 3 children: Cherrie (John) Musial of Elgin, IL; Yvette (Paul) Hubbman of St. Louis, MO; and Jonny (Becky) Robeson, Jr. of Terre Haute, IN; brothers Tom (Dolores) Kennedy of Arvada, CO, and Ken (Jane) Kennedy of Braidwood, IL; grandsons Clay, Cliff, Nick, Jack, and Ryan (Katherine); granddaughters Louise and Ella; great grandson Owen; and many nieces and nephews that she loved so much. 

The family would also like to thank her caregivers who allowed her to remain in the comfort of her home at the end of life; Peak, Serenity Hospice, Team Carole, led by Nancy. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oregon, IL with Rev. Bernie Sehr officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at church from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Burial of cremains will follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery. A memorial fund is established in Carole’s name for St. Vincent DePaul Society and the 100 Women Who Care. 

To donate to St. Vincent DePaul Society in Carole's name, please go to:  https://stmaryop.org