Carol Suomu

Carol Jean Suomu (neé Saari), 86, of Waukegan, Carol Jean Suomu (neé Saari), 86, of Waukegan, IL, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2021. Carol was born February 23, 1935 in Waukegan, IL to Verner and Esther (Nylund) Saari. She met her husband, Allan Suomu, as members of St. Mark’s Church in Waukegan. Their Finnish ancestry brought them to the church, where they remained active throughout their lives. Carol was involved in the choir, taught Sunday School and attended Bible Study. Carol also regularly attended Bible study at other local churches. Carol taught in Waukegan Public Schools, retiring in 1990, and continuing as a substitute teacher. Altogether she taught for over 40 years. She was active in the Red Hats, AAUW, and the water classes at Centre Club of Gurnee. Later in life Carol enjoyed traveling internationally, including traveling twice to the Holy Land in Israel. She also enjoyed sharing meals with friends, attending concerts & theater, appreciating flowers & nature, and giving to a variety of charitable organizations. Carol is survived by her daughters, Ruth (Rex) Carroll, and Susan (John) Sedej; grandchildren, Christine Carroll and Michael Carroll. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allan; sister, Sheila Stuart; and her father and mother. A visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 3350 N. Delany Road, Waukegan, IL. Interment will follow at Northshore Garden of Memories, North Chicago, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following organizations in Carol’s name: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Waukegan; Cornerstone Community Church, Wadsworth; Willow Creek Church, Chicago; Grace Missionary Church, Zion; First Presbyterian Church, Waukegan; Compassion International, Wounded Warriors, Habitat for Humanity, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Samaritan’s Purse, Prison Fellowship, or Moody. Please visit the guest book at www.congdonfuneralhome.com.