Carol Karpowicz Sax

Carol retired at the age of 82 after more than fifty years of service with the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. She was a proud member of the Three Sisters Club and The League.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and former Belleville News Democrat reporter and editor, Roland E. Sax; her birth parents who died when she was five; William and Pauline, nee Chesnalavich, Karpowicz; her aunt and uncle, who upon the death of her parents raised her as their own, Marcella and Pete Karpowicz; and seven brothers and sisters, Helen, Mary, Frannie, Eddie, Johnny, Joey and Ann.

Surviving are her children; Margaret "Peg" (Dennis) Freiberg, Janet (Ron) Loeffler, Kathryn "Katie" (Bob) Johnston, and William "Bill" (Rita) Sax, all of Belleville, Ill.; her grandchildren, Jodi, Amy, Sara, Angie, Tim, Laura, Brian, Brandi and Jackie; 18 great-grandchildren; a great-granddaughter yet to be born; a brother, Anthony Karpowicz; two sisters, Martha McIlvoy and Teresa Tecu; her dear friend, Betty Rule; her brother-in-law, Dick Sax; sisters-in-law, Margie Sax and Kay Sax; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

The family would like to thank Rosewood Care Center and Hospice of Southern Illinois for all of their support and kind and compassionate care of their mother.

Memorials are appreciated in lieu of flowers, to Backstoppers at the funeral home or ar www.backstoppers.org. Memories and expressions of condolences may be made at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Funeral: Memorial visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Ill.

Following is the Eulogy written and presented by Rita Sax:

Carol Sax Eulogy 4/14/13

Good afternoon, everyone. I believe most of you know me here, but for those of you who don't, my name is Rita Sax. I am Carol Sax's most favorite daughter-in-law, and married to Bill Sax, her most favorite son.

The last few years, after Mom moved out of the house, things became a little more complicated. But because of the love of her family, it was dealt with ease.

I'd like to start by thanking:

Mom's favorite oldest daughter, Peggy, for taking care of all the finances and final decision making.

Mom's favorite middle daughter, Janet, who took care of Mom's clothing. Every time Janet would wear something new and Mom would like it, it would somehow show up in Mom's wardrobe.

Mom's favorite youngest daughter, Katie, was usually in charge of food and getting Mom's favorite wants and desires to her.

And Billy, Mom's favorite son, would be in charge of visiting and watching "Dancing with the Stars" with her...although none of us are sure who enjoyed the show the most.

I was asked to present, Mom's, Carol Sax's, eulogy today. I worked so hard on it yesterday. It talked about how:

Carol Sax was born to her parents Paulina and William Karpowitz, from Lithuania, on August 28,1921 in Madison, IL. Although, there is some paperwork out there that says her birthday is actually August 22, which actually turned out to be her wedding anniversary.

At the age of 5, both of her parents had died. Being the youngest, her Uncle Pete and Aunt Marcella took her into their family. So Mom was pretty lucky -- she had 2 families -- 2 mothers, 2 fathers, 6 sisters and 4 brothers -- Anthony, Martha and Therese are still with us -- that's a total of 15, including Mom in her dual immediate family.

The original eulogy spoke about how she ran so fast, even her brother Anthony couldn't catch her.

Did you know your Grandmother was an athlete? The baseball coach came to Great-Great-Grandpa Pete and asked if Mom could join the girls baseball team. Grandpa Pete said "No" because of the short clothes the team wore as a uniform. Grandma knew Grandpa would never be at a game, so she joined the team anyway.

Did you know that Grandma went to college? She went to Brown College (now known as Sanford-Brown College).

Grandma's first job was working the front desk at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, which is where she met Grandpa, Roland E. Sax. They married August 22, 1944 and started their family with Peggy in 1945. In 1946, along came Janet and three years later, Katie in 1949. Then, 8 years later, out popped Uncle Bill. Now until recently we all thought Bill was a happy accident, but come to find out -- he was actually planned. Mom said they decided to try one last time for a boy -- and because this was a time before ultrasounds, they were happily surprised with a 10lb. 13oz baby boy. Mom said raising Bill was the easiest, because he had such great sisters that took such good care of him.

Mom belonged to an impromptu volleyball league with her daughters, "The League", a crafting club, and The Three Sisters Club, which consisted of two of her original sisters, Mary and Fran, as well as herself. As we read through the minutes of "The Three Sisters Club", we found there was only one member that we know of still in existence -- Uncle Bill -- an honorary member, since he went to all the meetings with Mom until he started school, they voted him in as an honorary member, according to the minutes of the meeting.

Mom's work experience:

Mom brought in some extra income for the family by subbing as a waitress at the Cowshed.

She later worked for the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in many capacities, for over 50 years. After Mom retired, and because she was such a good worker, they kept calling her back, and then she'd retire again, and again, until her final retirement, at the age of 82, when Father said he wasn't going to pay for anymore retirement parties for her.

Anyway, there is so much to say about this wonderful woman.

Some of Mom's favorites:

Actors: John Wayne and Patrick Swayze

Music: Michael Buble, Jack Johnson and Tony Bennett

and she loved to read.

Mom really didn't complain much. She enjoyed the simple life. Loved to take her Grandchildren shopping for their birthdays. And boy, could that lady shop -- if there was a bargain out there, she would find it.

I always hear people complaining about their in-laws. I have to always apologize to them, and tell them I'm sorry, I don't understand their dilemma, because I have the best in-laws ever. I've always been accepted as one of their children and treated with the same respect. I love my in-laws.

There are so many favorite stories out there, about Mom, I'd be here all day telling them. So please make sure you share them with each other, in her honor.

So instead, of telling you guys all this stuff, I thought I would concentrate on her most favorite things in life -- her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren -- her pride and joy. Every time one of you would go and visit her, especially with your children, we would always hear about your whole visit. She loved all of you, so very much.

As a parent, you are so busy, making money and raising your children, but as a Grandparent, you have more time to enjoy the kids. The $2 bills, -- she started getting when she worked at the Shrine, that began with the Grandchildren. For each holiday, each Grandchild and Great-Grandchild would get a $2 bill in a card.

The other silly little thing she started with the Grandchildren, was her "fishkiss". It was her signature item and something special she shared with all of us.

So, in closing, -- Carol Sax, we all know you are now well and happy in heaven and in the arms of the love of your life, Roly. We wish you infinite happiness and all of our love.

Fishkisses Forever...your loving family.

The Dash - presented by Byron Goodrich

The Dash

by Linda Ellis copyright 1996

I read of a man who stood to speak

at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone,

from the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth

and spoke of the following date with tears,

but he said what mattered most of all

was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

that she spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved her

know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,

the cars…the house…the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard.

Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

to consider what’s true and real

and always try to understand

the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger

and show appreciation more

and love the people in our lives

like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect

and more often wear a smile,

remembering that this special dash

might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read,

with your life’s actions to rehash…

would you be proud of the things they say

about how you spent YOUR dash?

A poem read by Amy Freiberg

A Life Well Lived

A life well lived is a precious gift

Of hope and strength and grace,

From someone who has made our world

A brighter, better place

It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad

With smiles and sometimes tears,

With friendships formed and good times shared

And laughter through the years.

A life well lived is a legacy

Of joy and pride and pleasure,

A living, lasting memory

Our grateful hearts we’ll treasure