Carol Ann (Byrne) DeFiore, 89, of Huntley, died peacefully on October 3, 2026, at her home with her family by her side.
Carol was born March 30, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of John and Mae (Lynch) Byrne. She grew up on the Northwest Side of Chicago, surrounded by her parents, brothers and extended family, all living together in a two-flat on Wrightwood Avenue. She graduated from Notre Dame High School and on December 28, 1957, married the love of her life, Louis Robert “Bob” DeFiore. Together for 63 years, Carol and Bob built a beautiful life centered on faith, family and love.
Early in their marriage, Carol taught fourth grade at St. Ferdinand Catholic School, but she always felt her greatest calling was to be a mother. After more than six years of trying to have children, Carol and Bob were encouraged by their doctor to consider adoption. God blessed them with their son, Bob, and their world immediately revolved around him. Carol’s love for children only grew, and they soon adopted their son, John. Not long afterward, Carol discovered she was pregnant with their daughter, Julie.
Carol was determined that Julie should have a sister, and when she was unable to conceive again, Carol and Bob adopted their daughter, Mari. In a turn of events Carol loved telling throughout her life, nine months later their daughter Carol was born. Carol was immensely proud of the way her family came to be and never tired of sharing the story. To her, there was never any doubt that God had provided the family she and Bob were meant to have.
Her children were her life. Carol was the kind of mother everyone wanted. She cooked, cleaned, kept a beautiful home and made sure the family gathered around the dinner table every night. More importantly, she was present. She supported her children, encouraged them and remained deeply involved in their lives throughout hers.
When the children were older, Bob suffered a massive heart attack at the age of 42. His career as a pipefitter had to change, and Carol returned to the workforce to help support their family. She taught sewing classes at Stretch & Sew and later managed a wholesale fabric division at Heyman Corporation. Although she had loved being a stay-at-home mother, Carol discovered that she also loved working, meeting people and being part of the world around her. No matter how busy life became, her family always remained at its center.
In 1986, Carol and Bob welcomed their first grandchild, and life changed once again. They became affectionately known as “Nani and Papi,” titles that brought them immeasurable joy. Their grandchildren—and eventually their great-grandchildren—became the center of their world.
After Bob retired, the couple eventually moved to Huntley, where they enjoyed their retirement years together. They golfed, traveled, spent time with friends and, most importantly, enjoyed every opportunity to be with their children and grandchildren.
Carol possessed a special gift for making people feel welcomed, comforted and cared for. She was beautiful inside and out and took great pleasure in having her hair and nails done each week. She loved being around people and never wanted to miss a party, a funeral, a family gathering or simply an opportunity to visit with someone. She was social, warm and genuinely interested in the lives of others.
Above all, Carol loved her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were truly her favorite way to spend her time, and nothing made her happier than having her family gathered around her.
Carol was a devoted wife, an extraordinary mother, a cherished Nani and great-grandmother, and a dear friend to many. She created a family filled with love and leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the generations she so deeply cherished. She will be missed beyond measure by all who knew and loved her.
Carol is survived by her children, Robert “Bob” (Sharon) DeFiore, Mari Kaiser and Carol Lynn DeFiore; her son-in-law, Jorge Arza; her grandchildren, Jessica, Samantha, Nicholas (Andrea), Vincent, Marisa, Joey, Bennett (Carlie), Olivia (Kalen), Johnny (Nolan); and her great-grandsons, Brooks and Graham.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mae Byrne; her brothers, Jack (Ellen) Byrne and Larry (Ann) Byrne; her beloved husband, Bob DeFiore; her son, John DeFiore; and her daughter, Julie Arza.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Huntley.
The mass will also be livestreamed. Please copy the following link and paste it in your browser of choice: https://plan.passare.com/planner/encore/event/32763873
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Shriners Children’s.
For further information, please contact DeFiore Funeral Home at 847-515-8772, or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
Carol’s family would like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to her caregiver, Krista, whose kindness, love, compassion, and extraordinary care meant more than words can express. Krista was truly amazing, and the love and tenderness she showed Carol will always be remembered with tremendous gratitude.
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I will always be grateful for Carol’s warmth and joy. “Well done, good and faithful servant”! Rest in Peace, Carol.
Our deepest sympathy to you Carol and your family in your loss. Your Mom had the most beautiful smile and she used it often when we saw her. She will be missed by everyone she came in contact with. Many prayer for you and your family and much love.
My deepest condolences to all family and loved ones. Reading that obituary confirmed what I always knew, she was an extraordinary woman. R. I. P Mrs. D.....
This is one of the most beautiful stories of a women who lived her life always guided by her faith never judging any person but only showing love and caring for who ever came into her life, family and friends and even strangers. My prayers are for Carol’s large family that they will want to become like her in all ways . This would be her greatest legacy ever !🙏🩷
When I think about you Carol... All I can think is that God must have spent a little extra time on you. It was my honor to know you and your beautiful family and to be your neighbor. Dance on Heaven's Clouds now. xoxo
Dear Carol So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I never met her, but just reading her obituary I see how much you take after her. What a wonderful person she was. May she rest in peace.
Sorry about Carol she lived a good life god bless everybody.
Your Mom was a very special woman. My love and prayers go out to you all.
Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Dear Carol and Family, So very sorry to read about your mother's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Mrs. "D" as we called her was a kind, caring, loving person. Mr. "D", Gloria and Hubie have been waiting for you...they needed a 4th to play cards. Glad you are all together again.