Kathryn Lucille "Lou" Carey

Lou was born in Iroquois County Illinois on May 14, 1927 to Thomas and Margaret (Gibbons) Butler. She married Joseph (Joe) Carey at St. Patrick’s Church in Danville, Illinois on August 25,1948. Joseph preceded her in death on December 1, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her son, Philip Carey also known as Joel Brandeis, her grandson, Rick Carey, and sisters Lavon McIntyre Burran and Mary Reitz. Kathryn is survived by her children, Marjorie (Jim) Crowe, Mark (Christine) Carey, eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

After graduating from Rankin High School, she studied to be a Registered Nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Danville. She was a part of the Army Nurse Corps. The war ended before she was needed for active duty. She did, however, care for veterans at the VA hospital in Danville. Lou had nursing jobs at a school, a factory, and Eastern Illinois University. She also ran a day care in her home at one time. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree and earned at a Master's in Social Work at Eastern Illinois University. Prior to retirement, she was very proud to have been the director of the Lincolnland Hospice at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital as it was established.

When Joe retired from EIU in 1985, they moved to Sun City, Arizona where they enjoyed two decades of traveling throughout the Southwest and California.

Following her wishes, there will be no services. Kathryn’s ashes will be interred with Joseph’s in Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City, AZ. Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services in Youngstown, AZ is handling arrangements.

Donations may be made to the Hospice Of The Valley 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014