Carol Ann Elias

Carol Ann Elias (nee DePaul) found eternal peace on March 7, 2014 at the age of 72. Loving and most giving mother of Vicki (Dennis), Roy (Terry), Wayne (the late Patti), Tracy (Mike) and April (Josh). Loving grandmother of Joielyn (Cory), Vanessa, Brian (Cara), Sari, Brent (Heather), Alec, Tori (Eric), Rachel, Justin, Kyle, Jordann and Leah. Loving great grandmother of Shawn, Evan, Moses , Noah, Alexa, Aubry, Kaylea, Bella and Matthew. Special friend and ex-wife of Rudy Elias. Further survived by amazing friends and other relatives. Carol was born in Newark, New Jersey and was the daughter of the late Eugene DePaul and the late Jane DePaul (nee Kaiser). She was preceded in death by her brother's Gene (the late Dottie) and Greg (Candy). She was known as the "Hat Lady" she loved wearing hats of every kind. She made friends wherever she went and we heard often how special she was (we couldn't agree more). Her family was her Everything-and we feel blessed to have called her Our "Mother", "Gram", "Nanna", "Great Grandma" "Great Grandma with the Hats" and "Friend". Special thanks to all of her caregivers at Villa St. Francis especially Lisa and Shelley (you never hesitated to fight the fight when she was unable) and Sister Barbara. An extra special thank you to Lily- You made her last year on earth very pleasant and peaceful (and she always smelled pretty). Thank you to Colleen, her case manager. Thank you to all of her physicians at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, you helped give her more years than we could have ever hoped for and we are so grateful. Thank you to Serenity Hospice. Though your time with us was very brief it was so meaningful and special. Lisa, Linda, Paula and especially Shandell-this peaceful journey was in part because of your guidance and grace. Carol fought a very long hard battle with Breast Cancer. The family asks that, should friends desire, memorial contributions be made in her name to Susan G. Komen of Southeast Wisconsin. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. As our mom always said: "Celebrate a death and mourn a life…..I'm going to a much better place than here!"