Carole L. Gillam

Carole L. Gillam, 85, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away peacefully, Tuesday afternoon, October 26, 2021 at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. She was born May 25, 1936 in Mechanicsburg, IL, the daughter of Alberta (Yeaman) Haroski. Carole married Robert Daily on March 29, 1954; he preceded her in death in 1996. She married James Gillam on February 28, 1999; he preceded her in death in 2020. Carole worked as a bus driver for the Harlem School District for 38 years. She was the past president of the Loves Park VFW Ladies Auxiliary, where she assisted the honor guard and organized funeral luncheons. Carole enjoyed doing puzzles, traveling, camping, playing cards and dancing. She was the matriarch of our family and will be missed.

Carole is survived by her children, Robin (Dave) Swaziek, Diane (Greg) Wall, Kristen Mitchell, and David (Renee) Daily; grandchildren, Kristy (Bob) Driscoll, Dana (Chad) Wollitz, Kevin (Teisha) Mitchell, DeAnna Schiro, Allison Daily and Melissa (Nick) Miramontes; her faithful dog, Bo; 13 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; special mention to Earnest “Boots” Gillam. She was preceded in death by her parents, both of her husbands, Robert Daily and James Gillam and granddaughter, Megan Swaziek-Wells.

A special thank you to Lety for her loving and compassionate care of Carole.

A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m., Monday, November 1, 2021 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a funeral service to begin at 2:00 p.m. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. To share a condolence, please visit www.Sunsetfhmemgardens.com.