Betty W. Carbol

Betty Williams Carbol, of Lake Forest, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of creativity, scholarship, faith, service, and enduring love for others. She was a gifted teacher, artist, musician, steward of history, mentor, and friend, a woman whose curiosity about the world never diminished and whose generosity enriched countless lives.

Born on January 18, 1936, to Harry and Lilian (Lindwall) Williams, Betty grew up in Winnetka and graduated from New Trier High School. She pursued her lifelong passion for the arts at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, earning a Bachelor of Art Education in 1958 and later completing a Master of Art Education after continued studies at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.

It was during her years at the Art Institute that she met Thomas J. Carbol, her future husband and kindred spirit. United by a love of art, music, gardening, and learning, they built a life rich in ideas, friendship, and shared adventure. They married on August 12, 1967, at Saints Faith, Hope and Charity Church, began their family in Deerfield, and ultimately made their home in Lake Forest. Their partnership spanned decades and inspired much of Betty’s work and many of the communities they cultivated together.

Betty devoted more than sixty years to education and the arts. She taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, directed art programs for Lake Forest schools, spent over two decades shaping young minds at Crow Island School, through her involvement in Delta Kappa Gamma was a founding member of the Women in the Arts and the Creative Arts Retreat for educators, and later preserved the history of Winnetka Public Schools District 36 through extensive archival work and historical publications. Her dedication to documenting the legacy of progressive education reflected her deep belief that stories, institutions, and people deserved to be remembered.

Teaching was never simply a profession for Betty; it was an expression of who she was. She encouraged generations of students and colleagues to observe more carefully, think more deeply, and remain open to wonder. Long after formal retirement, she continued to teach, guide, write, sing, preserve history, and create.

Her artistic work was exhibited throughout Illinois and beyond, while her writing, historical publications, and educational materials contributed meaningfully to both art education and local history. After her husband Tom’s heart transplant, Betty created “Images du Coeur“, a series of one-of-a-kind mixed media works with a heart theme, supporting awareness around heart disease and transplantation. Through these pieces, she transformed gratitude and hardship into art and generosity.

Music was another lifelong thread. Betty sang with the choir at Winnetka Congregational Church for nearly eight decades, served as a soprano soloist, participated in international recitals, and remained deeply connected to the Church community that shaped much of her spiritual life.

Yet for all of her accomplishments, those closest to her will remember something less measurable: her wit, intelligence, warmth, and unmistakable spark. She possessed a sharp sense of humor, immense curiosity, and the ability to make others feel seen and valued. There was often a twinkle in her eye, evidence that she appreciated both beauty and absurdity in equal measure.

She built communities wherever she went, among educators, artists, church members, gardeners, travelers, and lifelong friends. Her curiosity and enthusiasm for life often led her down unexpected paths, including a deep affection for hedgehogs that became one of her most endearing passions. She delighted in sharing them with children, educating others, connecting with fellow enthusiasts across the country, and embracing the humor and friendships that grew from those experiences. Over the years, countless hedgehog mementos found their way to her, small tributes from those who understood and celebrated this uniquely Betty part of her life.

Together with Tom, she shared a love of cooking, entertaining, and deep friendship, including years spent with a treasured gourmet group that reflected the joy they found in conversation, creativity, and companionship.

Perhaps one of her most enduring acts of love was for her grandson, Benjamin. Nearly every month of his life, Betty wrote him letters, reflections sharing family history, memories, wisdom, inspiration, and stories from her own remarkable life. She began pairing these letters with photographs and artwork, hoping one day they might become something larger. Together, they form an extraordinary inheritance: a record of love carried across generations.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas J. Carbol; her son, David Carbol; and her parents, Harry and Lilian Williams.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Angela Carbol, and her cherished grandson, Benjamin Carbol, who carry forward her stories, values, creativity, and love of learning.

Throughout her life, Betty touched countless people, leaving behind relationships, traditions, and communities strengthened by her kindness, curiosity, creativity, and steadfast encouragement. The lives she influenced remain an enduring part of her legacy. She will be deeply missed and gratefully remembered.

A memorial service celebrating Betty's life will be held on Saturday, July 11, at Winnetka Congregational Church, 725 Pine Street, Winnetka, Illinois 60093. A private interment will take place at 10:00 a.m. The memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will be followed by a reception with light refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Office of Development

P.O. Box 27106

New York, NY 10087

Or online at:

https://give.mskcc.org