Ann Mae Carey

She was raised in an orphanage and went on to build a life defined by resilience, independence, and care for others. She later settled in Peoria, where she raised her children and spent more than 20 years running a small private daycare out of her home. During that time, she cared for and helped shape the lives of many children, offering them safety, structure, and attention during their earliest years.

She had a love for gardening and took pride in watching things grow. She also enjoyed adding to her various collections and spending time at garage sales, always on the lookout for something interesting or useful.

She is survived by her sons, Bill and his wife Delilah, and Jim and his husband Kevin; her daughter Sarah, her grandchildren, Tyler, Sydney, Wyatt, Dylan, Kyle, and Angelina; and several great-grandchildren.

Her life story is one of perseverance, care, and doing the best with what we have.