Carol Anne Shidler

Carol Anne Shidler, third generation Kankakeean, passed away Nov. 23, 2014. Winner of what Warren Buffet describes as the "ovarian lottery," she is survived by her dearest friends, the Cantrell and Hallen families. Carol was born July 8, 1939, at St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee, daughter of Leslie L and Anna Norris Shidler. Her parents; brother, Leslie Norris Shidler; and close family friend, Donald des Lauriers, are deceased. Determined to avoid the inevitable immobility of degenerative bone disease, Carol chose to end her life, an act she considered to be the ultimate personal and civil liberty. Brother Les, faced with a similar circumstance, was fortunate to have been living in a state in which residents might be assisted in self deliverance by the organization Death with Dignity. Carol attended Steuben, East Junior and Kankakee High Schools. Senior year, she presided over Girl's Club and co-edited the Kankakeean yearbook. During high school, she taught swimming for the Kankakee Chapter of the American Red Cross and swimming and gymnastics at the YMCA at Harrison and Court Streets. Carol graduated from Beloit College, where she affiliated with Tri Delta sorority, presiding over pledge and active chapters. College summers she supervised activities at Marycrest Park. Trans World Airlines employed Carol for 30 years, and she took advantage of generous travel benefits while working in the Chicago reservations and training departments. TWA awarded her its systemwide Award of Excellence in 1970. Carol served as executive director of the Kankakee County Historical Society Museum from 1991 through 1993. She was a legacy member of the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley and a lifetime member of the Kankakee County Historical and Humane Societies. She treasured her dear friends, none more than her loving parents. Her life's greatest mission was accomplished when she was privileged to care at home for her "mostly companion" and dear mother, Anna. Finally together again, the Shidler family makes their permanent residence at Mound Grove Cemetery. Cremation rites affected by Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home. Per her wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral services. Memorials may be made to Compassion and Choices at compassionandchoices.org.

Carol Anne Shidler

July 8, 1939 - November 23, 2014