Carol Jean Gawlik, 83, of Huntley, died peacefully on January 31, 2024, in Barrington.
Carol Jean was born in Chicago on January 22, 1941, to parents Ray and Natalie (nee Laskiewicz) Witaske. She attended Good Counsel High School and then Lewis University to become a teacher due to her love of children. She taught second grade at St. Helen’s and St. Vincent DePaul elementary schools in Chicago. Additionally, she taught catechism for many years. Carol Jean met Richard Gawlik while standing up with him at a mutual friend’s wedding and eighteen months later, she married him in Chicago on November 17, 1962. She left her teaching job shortly after getting married to start her family. They raised their three children and met many lifelong friends. They created cherished memories through their involvement in Cub Scouts, their local church, and extended family members. She enjoyed attending her children’s extracurricular activities and spending family time with her children. Carol Jean and Rich purchased a second home in Apple Canyon Lake to give their children and grandchildren a place to create lifelong memories, which they did for the next 25 years. Carol Jean and family enjoyed her love of the water spending countless hours on their pontoon boat with friends and family. There are many fond memories of parties, bonfires and 4 wheeling on the trails. Carol Jean and Rich entered retirement by moving to Del Webb in Huntley, in December of 2004. They developed new friendships and were actively involved in their church, St. Mary. Carol Jean was a member of various church groups including CHIRP. She enjoyed her bunco group, neighborhood social hour, and going to matinee movies and brunch with her girlfriends. She dedicated her life to her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Carol Jean is survived by her best friend and cherished husband of 61 years, Richard Gawlik, her children, David (Donna) Gawlik, Laura (Robert) Nelson, and Glenn (Melissa) Gawlik, her grandchildren, Brittany, Bryan, Jack, Georgia, Nicole, and Paul, her siblings, Raymond (Margaret) Witaske and Anita Petrick, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother-in-law, Bernard Petrick.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 11, 2024, from 1 p.m. to time of prayer service 4 p.m. all at Defiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
Mass will be Monday, February 12, 2024, at 10 a.m. with a visitation the hour prior, all at St. Mary Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carol Jean’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/
For further information, please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home, 847-515-8772
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Dear Rich and family, we are saddened by the passing of Carol Jean who was always an up person and friend. We enjoyed our time together in Cub Scouting and years together out at the lake. With love, Marv and Claire
Our sincerest condolenses from the Henry Lasken family. She will be missed by all of us.
Carol was always one of my favorite cousins but as we grew up didn’t get to spend time with her. May she rest in peace and my love and prayers to the family.
We are so sorry for the loss of Carol Jean . She always had such a wonderful smile for everyone. Prayers of strength to you all through this difficult time. We love you.
We are so very sorry for your loss… sincerest condolences from the Janowiak’s. Sending prayers to Dave and the entire family.
We are so very sorry for your loss… sincerest condolences from the Janowiak’s. Sending prayers to Dave and the entire family.
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Carol . May the special memories you made together help you through this difficult time. I know I can’t make your pain go away, but I want you to know I’m here for you with a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen with, or anything else you may need. With Love Jessica Smith