Carol Ann Autry

Carol Ann Autry, age 91, of Chicago, Illinois passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025. Carol Ann Autry passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, at her nursing home in Chicago, Illinois. She was 91 years old.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Carol was the daughter of Edward Kowalski and Helen Rusczkweicz, and the sister of Robert Kowalski and Joyce (Kowalski) Radcliffe. She graduated from Pershing High School and went on to work as an inventory controller at an automotive supplier, where she met her future husband, John Robert Autry, a former enlisted member of the U.S. Air Force.

Carol and John later adopted their beloved daughter, Elisa, and made their home in Sterling Heights, Michigan, where they raised their family until Carol’s move to Chicago in 2015.

Carol was an outgoing and strong-willed woman who cherished time spent with her large Polish family. A devoted advocate for women, she volunteered as a Girl Scout troop leader, sharing her love of arts and crafts—especially knitting, crocheting, and sewing. A passionate hockey fan, Carol rarely missed a chance to cheer on her favorite team, the Detroit Red Wings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her brother, Robert; and her sister, Joyce. Carol is survived by her daughter, Elisa; her son-in-law, Steve; two granddaughters, Rima and Maya; seven nieces—Mary, Julie, Lori, Gail, Sherri, Janet, and Amy—and her nephew and godson, Charles.

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Name Cathedral (735 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654) on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Interment is scheduled at Resurrection Cemetery (18201 Clinton River Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038) for Saturday November 1, 2025, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please keep Carol in your thoughts and prayers. Those wishing to honor her memory may consider a modest donation to Catholic Charities, an organization that provides essential services to our unhoused brothers and sisters in need.