Carol Dianne Schwark, 86, of Huntley, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026.
Born on February 29, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, Carol was the beloved daughter of Carl and Florence (Silitis) Schmecht. On June 1, 1991, she married the love of her life, Howard Schwark, and together they shared many happy years until his passing.
Carol dedicated her career to serving others. She worked at RR Donnelly's in Dwight Illinois taught grade school in Bonfield, Illinois and later was a nursing home administrator in Bradley, Illinois, where her compassion and caring nature touched countless lives.
To know Carol was to love her. She never missed an opportunity to offer a warm hug or remind those around her that they were loved. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were truly the center of her world. Carol had a sweet tooth and never turned down a favorite treat. She enjoyed shopping on QVC, adored dogs, and especially loved Christmas and celebrating the holidays with those she cherished.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Colleen (Mike) Corbin, Tim (Doris) Kehoe, and Maureen (Tim) Bauwens; her seven grandchildren, Nadine (Tyler) Johnson, Ryan (Holly Hess) Corbin, Timothy "TJ" Kehoe, Andrew "Drew" Kehoe, Matthew Bauwens, Maggie Bauwens, and Mary Bauwens; her four great-grandchildren, Grayson, Keegan, Blakely, and Cayden; her sisters, Carla Remer and Marlene (Lester)Filskov; and her brother, Jack (Leah)Schmecht.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Florence Schmecht; by her first husband, Timothy F. Kehoe, her beloved husband, Howard Schwark; and her brother, Roger Schmecht and step mother, Lillian Schmecht
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Adalbert Cemetery in Niles.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Grafton Township Food Pantry.
A special thank you to all of the staff and residents at Heritage Woods of Huntley. She always felt loved and well cared for and thought of them as her second family.
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
Nadine and family, May you all find peace and comfort in beautiful memories and the warm embrace of family and friends. With Deepest Condolences from your friends at Preschool on the Square