Shirley Ellen Caruso

Shirley Ellen Caruso passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026. She was born on February 3, 1933, to Harry and Myrtle Hunt and raised in Peoria, Illinois. In 1955, Shirley married Richard M. Caruso, and together they moved to Chicago, IL, where they raised their four children.

Shirley was known for her humor, deep devotion to her faith, unwavering love for family and friends, and a lifelong passion for music. She discovered her love of music at the age of five and began singing in her church. At age seven, she obtained her Social Security Card and received her first paycheck for her early performances.

Alongside her sister Phyllis, also an accomplished musician, Shirley entertained audiences throughout Peoria and the surrounding communities. Shirley and Phyllis were part of a trio who performed several times each week for years on WMBD radio’s Juvenile Theatre program.

Shirley’s dedication and hard work during her youth helped fund her college education at Illinois Wesleyan University, where she majored in music. She was highly active in her sorority, Sigma Kappa, and was honored as Homecoming Queen in her senior year.

In her adult years, Shirley developed a love for sports, particularly tennis and golf, where she excelled, achieving a remarkable hole-in-one. Always humble, she claimed it wasn’t that special; it was on a par 3.

While these accomplishments were significant, they were secondary to her greatest gift: bringing joy to others. Shirley had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life and consistently brought warmth, smiles, and laughs to those around her.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard Caruso. She will be deeply missed by her children, Craig (Gail) Caruso, Todd (Emily) Caruso, Cathie (Chip) Cox, and Kelli (Jack) Hoover, her seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, three nieces, two nephews (and all their respective spouses), and lifelong friends, as well as the close friends she developed among the residents and staff at Lenbrook Senior Living Community.

A Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Lenbrook’s Kingsboro Courtyard

To offer your condolences and share cherished memories, please visit www.roswellfuneralhome.com.