Carol Catherine O'Brien

Carol Catherine (Crawley) O'Brien, age 86, passed away on March 7, 2026, at Carlyle Healthcare Center in Carlyle, Illinois. Born on July 25, 1939, in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the oldest of three children born to Thomas William and Mary Jean (Merkel) Crawley. Carol grew up attending Catholic grade school in Baltimore and Trenton, New Jersey, before her family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1951. She graduated from Mercy High School in 1957 and began her career at Brown Shoe Company. In 1965 she married Donald David O'Brien. Together they raised a family that included son Daniel, stepson Dennis, daughter Joy, and foster daughter Penny. The family relocated from St. Louis to Highland, Illinois, in 1973.

Carol returned to the workforce in 1986 at St. Louis University Hospital, where she remained until her retirement in 2002. She also taught at St. Louis College of Health Careers, worked part-time as a receptionist at Faith Countryside Homes, and later joined Rosenthal Optometric in Highland, a workplace she regarded as her second family. A lifelong foster parent for the State of Illinois alongside her former husband Donald, Carol was deeply involved in her community and her faith. She was an active member of St. Paul Catholic Church since 1973, serving on the Parish Council, organizing Vacation Bible School and Sunday School programs, and volunteering as an office assistant and room mother at St. Paul School. She generously gave her time to many local organizations, including the Highland Junior Woman’s Club, the Original Pregnancy Care Center, Right to Life of Highland, Small Victories, the NiCE Foundation, Community Co-op, and various scouting activities as a Girl Scout leader and troop supporter. With a friend, she co-owned the shop “Beads n Things” and participated in numerous civic events, including the “Yellow Bow” campaign. Family and friends knew her as the devoted “Card Lady” who never forgot a birthday or special occasion, and for her beautiful holiday decorations.

Carol lived by her beliefs in prayer, forgiveness, and second chances. She was always willing to share what she had with anyone in need and remained especially dedicated to her family, particularly her granddaughters. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, generous spirit, and lifelong commitment to service.

She is survived by her children Daniel (Laura) O’Brien and stepson Dennis O’Brien; grandchildren Jennifer (Nick) Rey and Megan O’Brien; siblings Mary Jean Hartenbach and Thomas (Myra) Crawley II; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Jean Crawley, daughter Joy Asher, brother-in-law Thomas Hartenbach, and former husband Donald O’Brien.