Carole M. Chappell

Carole M. Chappell, age 76, of Bourbonnais passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born August 14, 1950, in Terre Haute, IN, the daughter of Warren A. & Anna M. (Rhoads) Strohm. Carole married Chip Chappell on July 26, 1975, in Marshall, IL. Carole dedicated over 35 years to teaching elementary school at Bradley West, but her passion for education continued long after retirement. She remained involved through Sunday school teaching, volunteering at her grandchildren’s schools, substitute teaching, and working at the Children’s Corner preschool in Bradley. Carole had a beautiful way of remembering that the smallest gestures could mean the most to someone. Her kindness reflected her deep faith, and she lived each day as a servant of God. Carole generously shared her many talents and gifts with others through homemade banana bread and baked treats, handmade holiday cards, and visits with shut-ins and friends in assisted living. She also volunteered with Baby Talk at Riverside Hospital to share her love of reading with new parents. Carole was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Bradley where she served in many capacities throughout the years. She shared her love of God by teaching Sunday school, serving as treasurer of the United Women in Faith, mailing prayer cards to those in need of encouragement, and helping with the Wesley Food Pantry. Carole was a giver in every sense of the word. She generously shared her time, talents, resources, and heart with friends, family, charitable causes, and even strangers. Her life was a beautiful example of faith expressed through love and service. Carole’s greatest joy in life was being a grandmother. Her five grandchildren were the light of her life! The love and dedication she gave them was immense, irreplaceable, and heartfelt. They lovingly called her “Gram” or “Gram Bam” and she had nicknames for each of them too. Carole treasured time with her grandchildren, whether gathering as a family, playing games, attending school events, or cheering them on in sports. She was always present, supportive, and deeply involved in their lives. The love and memories she created with her grandchildren will remain a lasting part of the legacy she leaves behind. Surviving are her husband of 51 years, Chip Chappell of Bourbonnais; two daughters, Kristin (Scott) Strawson of Bourbonnais and Kelly (Jason) Hamende of Kankakee; one sister, Rebecca (Jerry) Holmes of Dennison, IL; two brothers, Larry (Jeanne) Strohm of Marshall and Randy (Terry) Strohm of Springfield; five grandchildren, Austin Hamende, Leah Hamende, Jenna Strawson, Evan Strawson, and Nora Strawson; and many nieces and nephews that lovingly called her Aunt Ke. Carole is preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bradley. Rev. Dr. Enrico Esguerra will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Momence Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wesley Food Pantry, where Carole generously gave much of her time and which held a special place in her heart.

Carole M. Chappell

August 14, 1950 - August 20, 2026