Carolyn J. Gerald

Champaign - Carolyn J. (Newman) Gerald, 72, passed away at 5:30 p.m. February 16, 2025, at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana. She was surrounded by her husband, daughter, son, and granddaughters.

Carolyn was born on November 9, 1952, in Champaign, IL. She was the first daughter and fourth child of Donald E. Newman and Helen E. (Schackmann) Newman.

Carolyn completed her primary education at Holy Cross Catholic School K-8, Junior High at Franklin Middle School and graduated from Champaign Central, class of 1970.

She married Darrell R. Gerald on February 20, 1971, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Champaign, IL. She was the mother to Paula M. Deck, Urbana, IL and Jeffery N. Gerald of Bloomington, IL.

Carolyn worked many different jobs during her life and retired from Holy Cross School Cafeteria in 2012 as Head Cook. She enjoyed working on her genealogy, cross stitching, crocheting, baking cookies and making her famous pumpkin pies, collecting thimbles, watching her granddaughter play fastpitch softball, and spending time with her family and friends especially Karen Sullivan, Patti Swim, and Janice Wells.

Carolyn leaves behind her loving husband, Darrell, two children Paula Deck (Scott), Urbana, Jeff Gerald (Katie) Bloomington; three grandchildren, Emily Holben (Gary), Champaign, Allison Deck, Urbana, and Linus Gerald, Bloomington.

Also surviving are a brother Dennis Newman (Sharon) of Columbus, IN, and sister Julie LaPayne (Brad) of Champaign, IL along with many nieces and nephews that she dearly loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers Kenneth J. Newman and Michael A. Newman along with her maternal and paternal grandparents and all her aunts and uncles.

A visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 pm. on Sunday, February 23rd, at Owens Funeral Home in Champaign. A funeral Mass in Carolyn’s honor will be held on Monday, February 24th, at 10am at Holy Cross Catholic Church (407 W. Clark Street.) in Champaign, with Rev. Fr. Joseph Baker officiating.  Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Urbana, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross School 410 W. White Champaign, IL 61820 or Holy Cross Catholic Church 407 W. Clark Street Champaign, IL 61820.

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