Caroline Marie Brooks

Caroline Marie Brooks, 69, of Homewood, IL, passed away peacefully in her home on July 13, 2026. Caroline is survived by her loving family including daughter Jeanne Marie (Matt) Barclay, grandchildren Tadhg Joseph and Fiona Margaret, and siblings Thomas (the late Pam), Joseph (Lisa), Susan (Laura), Catherine (James) Melia, and Margaret (Drew) Vanvlymen. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Margaret Loretta Nehf, and sister Nancy Ellen (Daniel) Wahlen.

Born January 23, 1957 to parents Jeanne Ellen and Thomas James Brooks, she was part of a surprise twin birth in Chicago Heights. Caroline lived in Homewood with her family for most of her life. Notably, Caroline graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 3 years instead of the usual 4. She studied accounting at Eastern Illinois University and worked in the field throughout her career. As a single mother she settled down in Matteson, IL to raise her children. Later they moved to Homewood where the family thrived.

Caroline was a devoted caregiver for her daughter, Margaret, as she battled a rare form of cancer. After Margaret's passing Caroline continued to care for others by volunteering at Children's Memorial Hospital offering comfort and advice to parents navigating their own children's terminal illness. Cary- or Aunt Cary, as she was known by her many nieces and nephews- was always there for others. She was a loyal friend as well as a loving and devoted aunt, mother, sister, and grandmother. She always had a treat for her grandchildren, and when asked to stop with all the junk, she would just bring more interesting treats. Cary had a sharp wit, enjoyed playing card and word games, and was a voracious reader. She instilled a love of the arts in her daughters, bringing them to live theater from a young age, and she loved going to the movies.

A funeral mass will be held on July 28, 2026 at 10:00am at St. John's in Homewood. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial luncheon at Balagio’s of Homewood at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.