Carole Roodhouse Obituary

God bless, Carole. We think of you always. A collage of photos with you and Nikki together over the years hangs on the wall in my office. Zeke recently lost his dad and it had us thinking once again of all the South Shore parents of your generation - our "village" of extended family - who have moved on. Following the Blackhawks through the season and playoffs this year has been exciting and reminds us of how animated you would have been over their performance this year. Keep looking down on us. We miss you. - Bob, Kathy, and Nikki

Thoughts on Carole Roodhouse:

• Carole suffered from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for the last 25 years of her life. The disease, complicated by other medical conditions, caused her to use the loss of her gradually lose the use of her legs and affect other motor functions in the early 1990’s. Her condition deteriorated until she began to require skilled nursing facility care beginning in 1994. She moved from Fountainview in Portage to Valpo Care and Rehab in 1999.

• Carole was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and though beset by other health challenges, beat the disease into remission. She never had a recurrence.

• Throughout her life, Carole made many sacrifices to care for her family. Though she had several opportunities, she never married. She lived with her mother Kathryn until she passed away in 1993, serving as her primary caregiver for the last years of her life. Carole helped raise her nephew Bob after both his parents died at a very early age, and helped care for her developmentally disabled sister Sharon.

• Carole exhibited her mother’s strong will and strength of character. Together, they coped with family tragedies - first the loss Carole’s younger brother Bruce to an artillery training accident at Fort Benning, Georgia, then the 1984 disappearance of her younger sister Sharon in Whiting, IN. Growing up, Carole and Bruce were very close. She always considered him her very best friend. As children and teenagers, Carole and Bruce were especially close to their cousins Ed and Pat Doody. Carole was maid of honor for Pat’s marriage to George Miller, and godmother to several of her cousins’ children.

• Carole lived a very modest life. Both she and her mother worked full time to provide for their small family. They never owned a home and didn’t even own a car until 1972. Yet Carole was generous to a fault with her family and friends, and the friends of her mother and nephew Bob. “Aunt Carole” was beloved by many second cousins and their children, many of whom phoned regularly and visited her often at nursing homes in Portage and Valparaiso.

• Though life often was hard, Carole and her mother Kathryn were typical South Side Irish Catholics - humorous, opinionated, social, welcoming, fun-loving, devoted to their faith, and very giving. Annual vacations were cherished times together, whether short trips to Milwaukee or Saugatuck, Michigan or longer ones to Miami Beach. Even in her later years, Kathryn was treated to special trips by Carole to Bob’s college graduation, the Kentucky Derby, Northern California to visit close relatives, and Las Vegas.

• Once Carole bought their first car, she Kathryn, and Sharon would often be seen running errands and dining out in South Shore, headed to Rainbow Beach with their dog Frostee, or looking in on friends and other family members such as Kathryn’s sister Nora, who were no longer able to get around on their own.

• Even in later years, Carole was often seen driving with Kathryn in her yellow 1970 Plymouth Satellite through the streets of Whiting, Hammond, and East Chicago, shopping, doing laundry, going to church, or headed to bingo or to one of many other functions put on by local churches, the American Legion, or VFW.

• Carole was always incredibly supportive of all the children in the extended family. Bob was the primary recipient of this affection, encouragement, and guidance. Carole never missed one of Bob’s grade school or high school football games. She took Bob on the South Shore – South Bend train to his very first Notre Dame football game in 1966 - a victory over Navy.

• Though confined to nursing homes the last 16 years or so of her life, Carole never lost her interests or her sense of humor. Though dependent on others for care, she coveted her independence. Though no longer in her own home, she considered Valpo Care and Rehab her home. Though no longer living on her own or with family, the staff, residents, and visitors at Valpo became her extended family. Though unable to travel, she treasured the visits from family who came to see her from all over the country, especially her second cousins Sue Infante, Kathy Bechly Laura Graver and their siblings Judy, Danny, and George - to whom she will always be their beloved “Aunt Carole”.

• Visits from Bob, his wife Kathy, and their daughter Nikki were extra-special - not only for the opportunities to shop, dine-out, go to movies or ball games, and head to the casinos together, but especially to be part of Nikki’s life as she grew up. Carole and Nikki were especially close and in her last conversation with Bob, Carole asked him to make sure that Nikki knew how much she loved her.

• Carole was not always the easiest person to get along with. She considered herself a great judge of character and was quick to be critical when she felt it was lacking. Yet she held the greatest respect and deepest friendship for those she admired. She could be rough and demanding on folks at times, but she’ll be most remembered for her humor and welcoming nature.

• Carole was human, transparent, genuine, and caring. Her sense of humor was evident even towards the end, when visiting with Bob in the ICU at Porter Memorial Hospital she asked him to sneak her in some White Castles or ribs from Chili’s. She also asked Bob for a beer and when he suggested that might not be a good idea she replied: “okay, you’re right, I understand . . . how about a vodka sour instead?”

Go with God, Carole. Many old friends and family members have been waiting to greet you with open arms. Save a place at the table for me.

Gina - Thanks so much for your kind words and especially for being such an important part of her life. You really captured Carole's essence. She was an incredible judge of character and always generously supportive of those she admired. Obviously, you were very, very high on her good list! She showed tremendous strength and insight in dealing with her failing health over the past several months. Carole meant so much to our small family and we are very proud of her.

Carol was awsome" she always put a smile on my face" she was outspoken & could read into peoples souls" Im so sorry to hear of her passing because i really wanted to come up & see her for a while" Now i miss her so much" she is in heaven" i havent met anybody else like her she was a one of a kind" i had the priveledge of caring for her" & she cared for me too" Godspeed carol & rest in eternity

My heartfelt condolences to the Roodhouse family on the loss of a wonderful lady. Carole will be dearly missed. May the God of all comfort give you the strength to cope during this difficult time. (2 Cor. 1:3,4)