Carole Maxine Wolstenholme

Carole was born in St. Louis, MO on August 6, 1934 during a heatwave, and was named after the actress Carole Lombard. Her family migrated from the southern inferno to Peoria, IL, where she attended Manual High School, graduating with honors and keeping in touch with many of her classmates to the very end. She later moved to Bartonville, IL to focus on raising her 3 children, before returning to Peoria to live out her remaining years as a coffin-dodger.

Everyone loved Carole's sweet personality, her fabulous assortment of colorful sweaters, and stunning jewelry that always adorned her hands. She adored her family and the arts, and had a reverence for nature and her faith in God. Her hands were rarely still as she was always sewing, crocheting, or tending to her orchids during her free time. It might also be noted that Carole had a passionate love affair with chocolate, ice cream, and Diet Pepsi.

Carole's true joy and passion in life were her children, and especially so, her grandchildren. She spent the last 29 years being one of the most unconditionally loving and supportive forces of their lives. Carole was always ready to baby-sit, have dinner, or host an infamous sleepover, where she would take turns putting each child to sleep by rubbing heads and scratching backs for hours on end, before lulling herself to sleep with the soothing sounds of Forensic Files.

In her 88 years, she taught her friends and family many things. She always warned us of the dangers of bad posture. How to make her famous cream puffs. Most importantly, Carole taught us how to use our hearts to the fullest. Even in the end, she was laughing and making jokes with everyone around her.

Despite her deteriorating health over the last two years, Carole fought like hell to keep going. She waged a long battle with COPD, meeting the challenge with her characteristic strength, determination, and deep abiding faith that God was present with her. On Tuesday August 23, 2022, God saw she was getting tired, so he put his arms around her and whispered, "Come with me." This time she listened.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Dorothy Mathias, and her two brothers, Robert and David Mathias. Surviving are her children, Victoria Wolstenholme-Mullins (James Mullins), Mary Wolstenholme, and Robert Wolstenholme (Sherilyn LaRose-Wolstenholme); her grandchildren, Marina Moore and Kayla Rose; and her great-grandchildren, Cullen Rose, Camille Howard, and Rowan Howard.

Carole's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to friends, neighbors, caretakers, and medical staff who helped care for her over the last few years.

A celebration of Carole's life will be held Saturday September 3, 2022 at the St. Sharbel's Village II Recreation Hall at 3001 West Lake Avenue in Peoria from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Cremation has been entrusted to the Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Carole's family is handling service arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with Carole's family at www.woolsey-wilton.com.