Carol Jean Abel, age 91, lifelong resident of Aurora, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Accentcare & Hospice in Naperville, IL.

Her last few years were spent at her daughter Cindy's home in Oswego. She was born April 22, 1932, in Aurora, IL, the daughter of Frank and Mildred nee Dannenberg Mueller.

Carol was an early graduate from East Aurora High School in the class of 1949. Carol started her professional career with the Burlington Railroad. Following the birth of her children she worked at the Aurora Beacon News for 25 years beginning in 1968 as a proofreader. She became the only female printer at the Beacon News. She retired in 1993. She was an active life-long member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurora, IL. It was there that she made long-term friends through participation in the choir (where she met her husband), the Young at Heart, Golden Group and Bible study groups. She was a seamstress sewing many clothes items and coats for her daughters and outfitting the girls' Barbies. In her spare time, she was a knitter, known for her sought-after dishcloths. She was a loyal fan of Jeopardy! and would call her friend MaryEllen to discuss the program every afternoon. She was known for always having 'good hair' thanks to her long-time hair stylist and friend, Liane Curry. Her true passion was enjoying time with her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the family Golden Retrievers Lucy and Linus.

The old neighborhood kids were treated with many baked cookies, popcorn by the backyard fires, and sleepovers on the back porch.

She is survived by her children Cynthia Abel, Laura (Brad) Pell, Ruth Grams (Gary Coveny), William R. Abel, grandchildren Zachary (Erika) Harrison, Emily (Gill) Harrison, Andrea (Jeremy) Bilskey, Robert Bradley Grams, great-grandchildren Zoey and Elsie Harrison and Jackson and Adalynn Bilskey, sister Joyce Weber, nieces Pam (Ted) Herring, Diane Sommers, Sandy (Bob) Thayer, Kathy (Gary) Robards, Kris (Randy) Swenson, dear friend MaryEllen Giese and treasured caregiver Denise Stumpenhorst.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clarence 'Bud' Abel, son-in-law, Bradley Grams, sisters and brothers-in-law Florence and George Johnson, Virginia and Phil Balcomb, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Elizabeth and Robert McElroy, brother-in-law LaVern Weber, nieces Judy Wente, Susan Johnson, Janet Paul and Karen Watson.

A graveside service at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery at the SE corner of Douglas Road and Montgomery Road in Montgomery, IL will be held Friday, November 3, 2023, at 11AM.

Memorials in Carol's memory may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, School, or Cemetery, 85 S. Constitution Drive, Aurora, IL 60506.

Arrangements are entrusted to DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543.

For information: 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com