Carolyn A. Borgialli

Carolyn “Grandma Jolly” (Prairie) Borgialli, age 102, of Bourbonnais passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Riverside Medical Center, with family by her side. She was born February 18, 1921 in Kankakee, the daughter of Edward R. & Vernie M. (Rioux) Prairie. Carolyn was one of six children: Frances, Evangeline, Ralph, Loretta, and Vernabelle. Carolyn married Dominic Borgialli on February 22, 1940 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley. Together they had two children, Carol and Dominic. Surviving are one daughter, Carol Hatley of Bourbonnais; one son, Dominic & Gwenn Borgialli of Redondo Beach, CA; four grandchildren, Romy Mietzner of Bourbonnais, Rick Hassett of Live Oak, TX, Lisa Borgialli of Milford, CT, and Matthew Borgialli of Redondo Beach, CA; and six great-grandchildren, Brianne Maksimovic, Britten Mietzner, Macy Mietzner, Lucas Hassett, Dylan Hassett, and Samantha Hassett. Carolyn led a multifaceted life as she was blessed with abundant talent which she perfected for herself. As a result, she ultimately enriched the lives of others. Carolyn was a Renaissance woman of her time. She was also a person who always wanted to leave a smile on your face. Carolyn began her life as a Bear Brand worker, sewing socks in her home as a young married woman. She developed her sewing talents and was able to design beautiful clothing and home décor. With endless talent, she worked with metals and textiles designing and then began her painting career. She painted beautiful pictures for many years of her life. She also helped her mother, at age 65, to develop her painting talent. Carolyn had natural God given musical talent for playing the piano, organ, guitar, accordion, and even a ukulele, which began in her childhood. She loved the piano and perfected this talent throughout her adult years with formal lessons and daily practice. As a result, she became a card-carrying member of the Musician’s Guild. She entertained as a pianist throughout the area. Carolyn played extensively at the “Lil Corporal” in Kankakee in the 1960’s during the time of Barry Manilow. Later on in life, Carolyn taught music appreciation at Bishop McNamara High School and participated in the annual Madcaps. Further on in her life, Carolyn worked as an activity director at Americana Nursing home and Our Lady of Victory Nursing Home helping people use their talents to the best of their ability. During the later part of her life, she took classes in cartooning. She made humorous cards and poems. At age 93, Carolyn authored a book. It was a humorous true story, “A Family Affair” written and illustrated by Carolyn. The remainder of her life she continued to be lovingly involved with her family, young and old, and always made each one smile in her own special way. Visitation will be held from 4-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023, also at the funeral home. Deacon Patrick Skelly will officiate the service. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Private family inurnment will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kankakee. Memorials may be made to the family wishes.

Carolyn A. Borgialli

February 18, 1921 - April 29, 2023