Carrie Elizabeth Willman

In Loving Memory of Carrie Willman 

Carrie Willman of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 17 with her beloved husband, Bill, by her side. She was born on April 13, 1965, in Westfield, New Jersey to Jackie and Tom Willman. 

Carrie had a sense of humor that could crack up anyone, no matter the situation. Her laughter was contagious, her wit unmatched, and her ability to find light in dark moments was one of her greatest gifts. She called everyone “doll,” and somehow made each person she met feel important. 

She always showed up for her family and friends, without hesitation and without fail. She had an incredible number of true friends and a rare way of making each one feel uniquely special. Whether it was her family, her friends, her students, or the health care workers who came to know her, everyone felt seen and valued. 

For over 20 years Carrie traveled the world as an international flight attendant, collecting stories, friendships, and memories from every corner of the globe. Later, she brought her love of life and learning into the classroom, teaching Family and Consumer Sciences to middle schoolers. She had that rare ability to make class both fun and disciplined - keeping her students laughing, engaged, and inspired.

Her creativity shone in everything she did. She designed and refashioned clothing, decorated her home with her signature style - owls, orange, and all things ’70s retro - and filled her world with color and warmth. She loved a good vinyl and was known to discover treasures in thrift stores, which she’d later spin for friends in her groovy basement hangout. 

Somehow, she managed to stay effortlessly up to date on the latest news, fashions, and trends - always current, always curious, always full of life. 

Carrie was deeply loved by so many, and she loved them all right back. Her humor, creativity, and boundless heart will continue to inspire everyone lucky enough to have known her. 

Carrie is survived by her husband Bill (who will always consider her his “sweet angel”) her mother Jackie Willman, her brothers Tod Willman and Dwight (Nancy) Ferguson, aunt Cicily (Simon) Mendez, niece Amanda (Dan) Brill, nephew Jack (Julia) Ferguson and an incredibly long list of dear friends. She is preceded in death by her father Tom Willman. 

A celebration of life will be held on November 15th from 11AM-2PM at the Duck Inn in Chicago, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to School District 62 Education Foundation, a cause close to Carrie’s heart. 

We miss you, Doll!

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL