Carol M. Vallow of East Hazel Crest | 1936 - 2019 | Obituary

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Carol Marie Vallow nee Brand, Born June 19, 1936 in Harvey, IL to Gerrit Brand and Carrie Brand nee (Gonlag). Beloved wife of William N. Vallow Dear mother of Linda (David) Daniels, Karen (Thomas) McElhinney, Nancy (Daniel) Smith and Donna (Stephen) Preston. Cherished grandmother of Sarah Daniels, Aaron (Emily) Daniels, Hannah Daniels, Leah Daniels, Kathryn McElhinney, Amelia McElhinney, Victoria McElhinney, Rachel (Adam) Smith-Hovermale, Matthew (Alexis) Smith, Andrew Smith, Anna Smith, Deborah Smith, Kelly (Michael) Preston-McKeon, Patrick Preston and Thomas Preston. Great-Grandmother to Nadia McIntyre and Finley Hovermale. Loving brother of Thomas (Myrla) Brand.  She leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. Carol enjoyed all of her childhood with her parents and brother living in the village of Hazel Crest, Illinois. There she attended Warren Palm Elementary School and later graduated from Thornton Township High School in Harvey, IL. After graduating, she worked at Continental Assurance Company in Chicago. She married her high school sweetheart Bill and when it became time to start their family, she dedicated herself full time to that endeavor. Her most important life’s work was keeping the home fires burning as her husband, longtime East Hazel Crest Fire Chief, frequently responded to emergencies within the village. After raising their four children, Carol returned to the workplace and served for 23 years in the administrative office of Hazel Crest School District 152 1/2. Carol made an impact in her community. She was actively engaged in the Girl Scouts program as a troop leader. For many years she served faithfully on the East Hazel Crest Firemen Ladies Auxiliary. Carol participated in the Lincoln School Parent Teacher Association, providing leadership in the roles of Secretary and President. She also contributed as a member of the Thornwood High School Parent Council. What marked Carol’s life was the love she had for her family. She was a devoted wife, a dedicated mother and a dependable, loving presence in the lives of all her grandchildren. Time spent with her family was a high value for Carol, and getting away with her loved ones at the lake house in Michigan was her favorite choice. Countless family memories include wonderful moments being together with her at the cottage on Scott Lake. Words that best describe Carol are loving, faithful, dependable, hard-working and trustworthy. Whether family member, friend or co-worker, together we share heartfelt appreciation for the many ways in which her life deeply touched each one of us.  Visitation will be Sunday, August 18^th at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 S. Dixie Hwy. Homewood, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be Monday August 19^th at the funeral home.  Interment Skyline Memorial Park.  www.tews-ryanfh.com or 708-798-5300.