Carol Ann Witkowski (Nee Sterkowitz)

1950 – 2018

With broken hearts we announce the passing of Carol, aged 67 on March 10, 2018 at Beausejour hospital with her husband steadfast at her side.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years Christopher. Her children Steven, Ginny (Kim), Beth, CJ, and her son in law Tracy. Her grandchildren Carolyn (Matthew), Ethan (Ashley), Amanda (Sean), Danielle, Isaiah, Rashaan, Matthew, Andrew, William, Seraphina, and Everett. And her great grandkids Jake, Christina, Oliver, Sofia and Theodore. Her sister Mary. Her sister in laws Connie and Corrine (John) and her brother in law Cory.
She is predeceased by her parents Stanley and Juanita Sterkowitz, her sister who was lost in infancy and her parents in law John and Rita Witkowski

The family would like to thank the staff of Beausejour hospital for the caring and compassion they showed to her in her final weeks.

Carol was born in Tinley Park IL in 1950.  She attended Maine West high school in DesPlaines IL.  At the young age of 16, 2 events would happen that changed her life forever.  She lost her own mom to cancer, and she met her soulmate Chris, the man she would spend the rest of her life with.  A love like theirs is a rare and precious thing. The August after her graduation they were joined as one in the eyes of God and became man and wife.
She gained more than a husband, she also gained an extended family. Her mother in law Rita and sister in law Connie became her partners in crime.

After her marriage she travelled the country with Chris and his career in the US Navy. Her first child Steven was born in Virginia followed shortly after by Ginny in Maryland. It wasn’t always easy for her, being a young mother away from her family. As Chris spent time away with the navy.   But she was always able to make the best of It. And was always able to make friends where ever she went. It was during these travels that she discovered her love of the mountains. And for the rest of her life was always up for a road trip to see them.

After Chris left the navy, they returned home to IL. There she gave birth to her daughter Beth and son CJ. She worked outside of the home but was always there for her family and friends. The memories she created for all of us is something we will treasure.  There was always laughter, friends, and unconditional love.

As Chris’s career advanced it was time to move again. She was given the choice of California or Canada. And as she put it “there is no way I am moving somewhere that is going to fall in the ocean” so Canada it was. In typical Witkowski fashion the move was filled with many adventures.  And no matter what she made us smile through it all.

The late 80’s and early 90’s were a time of great change for Carol both good and bad. She started a new career as a line cook at the chicken and pizza ranch in Oakbank, her first grandchild was born, and Chris Was diagnosed with MS. Her and Chris relished their new roles as grandparents, and as more grandchildren came, the house became, if possible, even more full of love.

Carol had a personality that is hard to describe. It is not an exaggeration to say that everybody loves her.  People gravitated to her, wanted to be near her. She made people laugh and smile. And she crossed all generations from kids to teens right through the elderly.  Her heart, arms, and home were always open to anyone.  Anytime. Even right up to her time in the hospital she was always more concerned about other people over herself.

Using her experience, she gained at the Ranch, Carol began working at the 59’er and then on to Mars Sandhill golf course.

In 2005 she started at Wal-Mart.  In many ways she was in her element. Both customers and co-workers enjoyed spending time with her.  As much as she did with them.  There was always something going on.

She retired in 2016 to be able to spend more time with Chris and her family.
And this February she was able to celebrate her 50th anniversary with her family and friends. Chris surprised her by asking her to marry him all over again.  And we were all witness to them renewing their love for each other.

Throughout her life in so many ways she touched everyone around her. And the special part was she didn’t even realize what an impact she had on those around her. She will be leaving a hole in so many people’s lives that nothing will be able to fill.  We all love you Carol so very much.   Until we meet again.

Viewing will take place on her birthday March 20, 2018,  7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Sobering funeral home in Beausejour for those wishing to say goodbye.

There will be a celebration of her life in the summer to reminisce and have a smile and laugh in her memory as she would want.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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