Obituary: Carole J. North (née Viskocil)

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Carole J. North (née Viskocil)

Carole J. North (née Viskocil), age 80, of Lockport, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and embraced by the grace of God. A woman of deep faith, Carole lived her life with patience, kindness, humility, devotion, and unwavering love for both her family and her Lord. Her faith guided her daily, and she found strength, comfort, and purpose through God all throughout her life.

Carole was born on August 31, 1945, in Joliet, Illinois, to the late Isabel and Emil Viskocil. She was a lifelong resident of the Lockport and Joliet area, where she built a beautiful life centered around family, faith, friendship, and service to others.

She was the beloved mother of the late James “Jay” (Jennifer) North, Michael (Amy) North, Bradley (Bridget) North, and Suzanne (Jack) Asher. Carole was a loving and devoted Gram/Grammy to Jaedon, Annabel, Brianna, Brydon, and Sara, whom she loved dearly. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her children and grandchildren, creating cherished memories filled with laughter, warmth, and unconditional love.

She is also survived by her niece and goddaughter, Kimberly (Paul) Kalafut, as well as nieces, Lisa (Doug) Graber, and Sarah (Jeff) Waddell, and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Kara, Chase, Logan, Hanna, Max, Ryan, and Justin, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

In addition to her son Jay, Carole was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James North; her parents; her brother-in-law, William North, and her cherished sister, JoAnn North.

A dedicated educator, Carole devoted many years to teaching Special Education at Washington and Hufford Junior High Schools, as well as at St. Joseph Medical Center. She believed deeply in the value of education, lifelong learning, and encouraging others with patience and compassion. Her students, coworkers, and friends knew her as thoughtful, intelligent, faithful, and caring.

Carole’s life was rooted in simple joys and meaningful connections. She treasured her church community, valued her lifelong friendships, and always placed family above all else. She especially cherished the friendships she shared with her beloved “Club” friends, who gathered regularly for more than 50 years, as well as the many dear friendships she maintained with her high school friends throughout her life. She loved flowers, nature, and watching for cardinals at the bird feeders — small reminders that brought her peace and happiness. Her gentle spirit, warm heart, and steadfast faith touched all who knew her.

Though her family grieves her loss deeply, they find comfort in knowing she is now at peace in God’s eternal embrace. Carole leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, faith, grace, and devotion that will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carole’s name may be made to the Cathedral of St. Raymond or Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.

A Memorial Gathering for Carole J. North will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet. Family and friends are invited to meet on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Raymond, 604 N. Raynor Ave., Joliet, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Lockport.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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