Carole A. Smith

Carole Ann Smith (nee Hamann), age 69, of Homewood, formerly of Dolton and Hazel Crest. Beloved wife of John Smith. Loving and adoring mother of Allison (Bill) MacDonald and Noreen (Shane) Rutledge. Cherished grandmother to Lincoln, Fitzgerald, Elle, Henry, and William. Dear daughter of the late Mary Jane and late Harvey Hamann. Cherished sister of Bob (Jill) Hamann, Michael (Pat) Hamann, Pat (Ron) Hofkamp, Peter (Grace Schouten) Hamann, Jim Hamann, Katie (late Pat) Devitt, and Joseph (late Sheri) Hamann. Dearest sister-in-law to Carol Hammond, Linda Smith, Susan Smith, James Smith, Frances (Edward) Brindle, Thomas Smith and Michael (Jennifer) Smith. Loving aunt of Dan (Katie) Hofkamp, Paul (Erin Spicer) Hamann, Elizabeth (Mark) Wilson, Adrianne (Bill) Blonn, Nick (Sara Anderson) Hofkamp, Maureen(Tony) Biros, Margaret (Daniel) Coppoth, Rachel (Jim) Sokoloski, Angela Hamann, Abby Hamann, Brianna Ogden, Mary Frances Hammond, Julia Hammond, Linda Sue (Robert) Shillito, Sarah Stewart (Oren Williams), Greg (Renee) Stewart, Meghan Rickelman, Jeffery (Lillian) Smith, David Orion Brindle and Ian Smith. Godmother of Dan Hofkamp. Fond cousin of Jim (Susan) Main, and the Schaefers: Joan, Dick, and Sue. Dearest friend to many.

Carole was born in Chicago on November 25th in 1952. She grew up in Dolton with her family and attended Queen of Apostles grammar school in Ivanhoe. For high school, she went to St. Willibrord in Chicago, where Carole participated in many activities such as, corresponding secretary for student council, and president of the self-proclaimed Breakfast Club. She also was on the newspaper staff and wrote the popular column called Hamann's Highlights. After graduation, Carole went to the College of Saint Francis to study History and became the Director of Intramurals where she expanded athletic recreation to everyone on campus.

After graduating from Saint Francis, Carole found her true vocation in education and coaching. She found a passion for helping students find their confidence. Carole started working at Holy Rosary (Irish) in the Roseland community. After taking time off to start her family, she continued on at St. Anne's in Hazel Crest, and eventually at James Hart School in Homewood where she really found her groove. Carole had a knack with providing a calm sanctuary for every student to feel their worth and celebrate every success no matter small or large. She was a pillar of James Hart's mission that every student will learn and be served. In addition to teaching at Hart, Carole was the head girls' volleyball coach and was honored to coach the inaugural girls' softball program. As a coach, Carole no doubt wanted to win, yet she also had the ability to recruit athletes' with coachable qualities, to harness their strengths and improve, no matter their ability.

Carole was the third of eight children. Her unwavering love for her family showed in her every action. Growing up, she enjoyed playing all thing sports, keeping up with her brothers and the neighborhood kids. Her love for softball and volleyball followed her throughout her entire life. She found love and comfort from her family and community, learning the importance of empathy.

She married John in 1987 and moved to Hazel Crest. The same year, they were blessed with Allison, and Noreen two years after. Together they made lasting family memories. Spending summers in Daytona Beach Shores to visit her Aunt Margie, Uncle Les, and the Main family. Carole also enjoyed visiting John's parents in Arkansas and siblings around the country. She also graced her presence at the Lightning Bug Festival in Tennessee, and abroad to Ireland, England, Bermuda, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

As a mother, Carole provided a space of love, nurturing, and growth for Allison and Noreen. She loved them for exactly who they were and gave them the support and guidance to meet their full potential. She signed the girls up for every activity, ensuring their childhood was robust. As Carole's family grew, the affection followed suit. As a loving mother-in-law turned all-consuming Grandmother, in the best possible way, her grandchildren became her main focus. As a tribute to her Grandma Alice Schaefer, she took on her grandma responsibility with a sense of adventure, encouraging them to play, hike, swim, and explore the world around them.

Carole's community was always important to her. She made it priority to be involved, to help where needed. From art mom, President of Homewood Softball, and St. Joe's volleyball coach and coordinator; she always showed up for her girls and Homewood. Her aim was to inspire, improve, and enhance everyone's lives.

Carole was a devout Chicago White Sox fan. In 2005, her White Sox gave her the greatest gift. She loved talking Sox and, when needed, made sure they could hear her through the television. She had a lifetime of wonderful, fun, and entertaining memories at her happy place, Comiskey Park.

Resting at the Tews Funeral Home on Friday, August 12, from 3-8 pm. Funeral on Saturday at Saint Joseph in Homewood for Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30 am. For additional information contact 708-798-5300.