Carolyn Lee Brinkman

Carolyn Lee Brinkman, 73, of Herscher, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Heritage Health, Normal, IL after a long journey with Alzheimer's. Carolyn was born June 12, 1943 in Pontiac, IL the daughter of Charles and Anna Holzhauer Silk. She married Roland (Ron) Fortin on August 7, 1965 in Manteno, IL. He passed away on March 31, 1966. She later married Elmer Brinkman on August 11, 1978 in Colorado. He passed away on February 23, 1999. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Joan Anderson. Surviving are two children, Christel (Steve) Denault of Bloomington, IL and Scott (Nicole Boie) Brinkman; step-sons Gary (Nancy) Brinkman, Naperville, IL, and Terry (Nancy) Brinkman, Bonfield, IL; sister Judy (Ron) Boster, Herscher, IL; brother-in-law Jim Anderson, Kankakee, IL; 4 grandchildren, Deirdre Denault, Oconomowoc, WI; Alyssa Denault, Chicago, IL; Nathan Denault, Chicago, IL, and Jacob Brinkman, Herscher, IL. Carolyn graduated from Illinois State University and a was first grade teacher at Bonfield Grade School for 33 years. She retired in 2004. She loved her students and worked hard to meet their academic needs. She also went above and beyond to help them with their personal needs, by providing breakfast, clothing, and emotional support to those who needed it. She put much effort into her students' classroom plays and made sure they had a field trip to Brookfield Zoo each year. She was a model of what every teacher should be. Carolyn was a private pilot and enjoyed flying together with Elmer in their Piper Cherokee 235 N8649W. She loved to tell the story of how she won the spot-landing contest at the Morris, IL airport while flying in for breakfast one Sunday. Carolyn lived a challenging life, including childhood adversities and the loss of two husbands. She was an example to her children and family, instilling in them a strong work ethic, the importance of family and faith, and the value of getting an education. She fought adversity with courage and served as a role model for her family and others. Visitation be from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Clancy-Gernon Funeral home, Bourbonais. There will be a Christian service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Bonfield Grade School, 522 East Smith St., Bonfield, IL 60913.

Carolyn Lee Brinkman

June 12, 1943 - September 13, 2016