Carol May Chmielewski

Carol May Chmielewski, aged 83, died with her daughters at her side on Sunday, October 22, 2023. Carol was the only daughter of Harold and Myrtle Johnson; she was born on November 23, 1939 in Sioux City, IA, and lived most of her young life in Sioux City and the surrounding areas. As a child she loved singing and music and acting; she continued participating in these loves for her entire life: acting in community theatres, singing in church and local choirs, and dancing at family gatherings.

Carol loved going to the theatre, gathering with family and friends, gardening, and reading at church. She was an active member of St. Thomas Canterbury Episcopal Church in Greendale, WI. Carol was also a lover of dogs, particularly her companion, Nala, who died just days before Carol. Her morning routine was sacred to her; she could always be found at the table with a cup of coffee and her daily crosswords.

Carol went back to school in 1987, graduating from Milwaukee Area Technical School to become a nurse. She spent her career lovingly caring for residents at the Tudor Oaks Senior Living Home.

Carol’s life was centered on family, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her family were the light of her life and she lived to show them unconditional love and acceptance. Carol is survived by her daughter, Lisa Chmielewski; her daughter Rebecca DeSpain; and her daughter, Jane Johnson (Murray); her 11 grandchildren (Bryan, Zach, Amanda, Emily, Meghan, Noah, Janet, Isaac, Abraham, Caleb and Libby); her great-grandchildren (Penelope, Annahleah, Leonidas, Greyson, Anthony, Addison, August, Franklin, Lucille and Redding), her step grandson (Bennett) and her step great-grandchildren (Bella and Mason). She is further survived by her stepchildren from her second marriage: Jeff Chmielewski (Terri) and Patricia Perkins (Tim).

She was preceded in death by her second husband, Gerald Chmielewski. Her son, Timothy Dicks, and her twins, Paul and Elizabeth Dicks. Her first husband and the father of her children, Paul Dicks, and her stepson, Matt Chmielewski, also preceded her in death.

There will be a visitation for Carol at Max A. Sass & Sons, Westwood Chapel at W173 S7629 Westwood Drive Muskego, WI 53150 on Thursday, October 26, from 5 - 7 pm. On Friday morning, October 27th, Visitation will continue at 10 am at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church at 7255 W. Grange Avenue Greendale, WI. A Celebration of Life with Holy Communion will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church.

Memorials can be made to:

St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church 7225 W. Grange Ave. Greendale, WI 53129

OR

Beloved Community of Intercession Episcopal and Redeemer Lutheran Churches

900 Brilowski Rd. Stevens Point, WI 54482

OR

Children's Tumor Foundation Memorial Donations

Mail Code: 6895

P.O.Box 7247

Philadelphia, PA 19170-0001