Obituary
We on earth have lost an incredible person, but heaven has gained the most beautiful soul!
Carol Ann Allen (McManimen) 85, was reunited in heaven with her husband of 60 years–Kirby Allen, her parents–Neil and Florence McManimen (Albrecht) and her sisters–Barbara Cooper and Mary Jendrasek.
She is survived by 5 children: Rick Allen, Cathy Bruni (Gino), Brian Cooper (Vilma), Julie Allen (Mary) and Melissa Sibert (Bill)–6 grandchildren: Paulena Allen, Landon, Shane (Rachael) and Trey Bruni, Sofia Cooper-Carerro and Kelly Sibert.–1 great-grandchild: Ford Bruni and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Carol was born and raised in Chicago Heights, where she spent the majority of her life before relocating to Crete in 2007. She loved to reminisce about the “Good Old Days” of downtown Chicago Heights, had a very strong Christian faith and was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church–where she attended grade school (all 5 children also attended here) as well as getting married on the still existing stage of the school gym. Raising their children in the Christian faith was a priority for Carol and Kirby.
A 1955 Bloom High School graduate, she met her husband of 60 years (Kirby) during this time. A “pickup on Chicago Road” as she would laughingly say–describing when Kirby approached her, thinking she resembled Elizabeth Taylor, and asked to drive her home. They went on to own and operate Southtown T.V. in South Chicago Heights for 55+ years.
Carol always believed family came first and brought a warm and welcoming personality, beautiful smile and infectious laugh wherever she went. She always answered the phone with a cheerful “mmm–yello” and our days would end with a delicious dinner on the table.
Thursday night bowling leagues and monthly Monday night “Club Girls” get togethers were favorites. Both included her sister and best friend, Mary Jendrasek. These two were often compared to Laverne and Shirley–always bringing fun and laughter.
Carol loved to spend time outside walking the neighborhood, watching birds, sitting on her deck and planting flowers in her yard. Always wanting to spruce up and make things beautiful. She also loved music and dancing (Elvis being one of her many favorites) right up to her final days and was known to keep everyone smiling by showing off her singing and dance moves. She will truly be missed!
Funeral service will be on Thursday, May 4th, 2023 at 4:00p.m. with visitation beginning at 3:00p.m.
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
330 Highland Drive Chicago Heights, IL 60411
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s Association. https://act.alz.org
We are so very sorry for the loss of such a special beautiful lady. My Aunt Carol as with Uncle Kirby is never far from my thoughts and memories. We pray you peace and love.