Caroline Marie Mhley
Caroline Marie Mhley, age 16, of La Grange; beloved daughter of Gavin & Colleen (née Custer); loving sister of Sean; cherished granddaughter of Cornel & Rita Mhley and Russell & Mary Carol Custer; dear niece of Mark (Erin) Mhley & Bridget (Conor) Howard; adoring cousin of Callum; devoted dog-sister of her Ziggy; and good friend to so many.
A junior at Lyons Township High School and graduate of Gurrie Middle School, Caroline spent a decade dancing with Impact Dance Studio and two years on LTHS’ Poms team. Caroline loved fashion and enjoyed working (at the La Grange Field Club as a snack bar manager) to make money to shop, but she may have also been one of the best savers around. Whether a Starbucks drink or a new outfit, she always found a bargain and rarely paid full price for anything. She also loved decorating, especially for the holidays. Caroline would listen to Christmas music year-round if she could. And she was always coming up with creative new nicknames for Ziggy (recently, it was “The Doctor” or just “Precious”).
The challenges Caroline faced this year with an exceedingly rare spinal cord cancer diagnosis and resulting paralysis were monumental, yet they further showed what a courageous, resilient, graceful, and sweet person she was. Her friends and family already knew this about her, but she made an impact on so many doctors, nurses, aides and therapists she met along the way at Comer Children’s Hospital, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Lurie Children’s Hospital, as well as all the people who followed her story. Caroline did not dwell on her sudden change in circumstances, which would have been understandable. Instead, she accepted the challenge and demonstrated a maturity well beyond her years, all with her beautiful smile, sassy sense of humor, and endless patience.
Caroline never got to make her wish from the wonderful team at Make-A-Wish Foundation. A lover of travel, she had been holding out hope for that safari in Africa or other exotic trip when she could travel again. May she now travel to her heart’s content in heaven, drive that car she just missed getting licensed for, and continue to inspire us all with the memories of her gentle yet determined spirit. She will be terribly missed by the many people who love her.
Visitation 3 to 9 pm on Thursday, October 24 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Family & friends will meet at St. Cletus Church, 600 W. 55th St., La Grange, IL for 11:30 am Mass on Friday, October 25. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Caroline’s name to local organization Winning With Wyatt (https://www.winningwithwyatt.org/) or the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation (https://arizzofoundation.org/) are greatly appreciated.
I did not know Caroline but heard the news of her cancer diagnosis and hoped she would make a turnaround. I am so sorry and sad to hear about her passing. The Hilding Family will be thinking of you all as you mourn her death and celebrate her beautiful life.
To the Mhley family, this is a beautiful memory of Caroline’s beautiful spirit. May your generosity in sharing with all be returned to you in kind. Prayers for each of you.
I did not know Caroline personally, but my family is a part of the LTHS community, and want to offer our support and condolences. I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your sweet daughter. My heart goes out to your family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Caroline sounds like she led an exceptional life.
I did not know Caroline but was moved to tears to read this. I am so sorry for all those who love her. May her beautiful spirit and memory be a source of strength for you during this tremendously tender time.
What a beautiful tribute to a shining star 🌟 As a parent of an LT Junior, I share in your grief and offer condolences for peace for your family and all who loved her ❤️
My sincere condolences to the Mhley Family, my prayers are with his daughter Caroline and his entire Family.We are sorry for your loss, God Bless All.
The Uhler Fam.
My heart goes out to Caroline’s family. I know her love will always be with those that knew and loved her. As a mother with a daughter and son, I struggle to comprehend the strength it will take for her family to take this journey. But I think Caroline’s amazing spirit will help them along the way.
Carline was an amazing young lady with so much to give. She was a dancer and student with many talents and friends.
I will forever hold her in my heart
May the Lord wrap his loving arms around Caroline’s family and friends
God bless Caroline and her famiy. I pray that she is in peace and that peace come to you all. Im so sorry for your loss.
Caroline will forever be my favorite patient. The epitome of strength, courage, humor and GRACE she has left an impact on my life like no one else. Caroline is the sweetest soul and made me want to be more like her. She has the most wonderful family who took care of her like no other. Caroline is pure joy and beauty and my heart will always have the most special place saved for her🩵 all my love to her family
I also did not know Caroline but had been praying for her. The obituary gives me a very clear picture of the amazing person Caroline was. My prayers are now for the remaining family members who now have an angel in heaven.
Colleen, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious daughter Caroline. I’m praying for you and your family. No doubt her sweet spirit and resilient strength was a testament to the love and care you showed her all of her life. My heart is with you.
Sweet Caroline rest in peace. What a doll. Of course, I know Caroline and her little brother , Sean from our days at St. Cletus and seeing the Mhley family walk around her old 7th Ave. Neighborhood. Thank you for leaving a beautiful impact on our lives, your presence was grace. Prayers for all. Love, Chris and Robin Bourjaily Family
Dear Caroline’s loved ones,
She was blessed and is alive in your memories. Wishing strength to cope with life’s toughest challenge.
Wieczne Odpoczywanie racz dac jej Panie a Swiatlosc Wiekuista niech jej swieci az na wieki wiekow Amen. My deepest condolences!
I’m heartbroken to learn the news as with all of her progress hope for her rehabilitation was on the horizon , but the lord had bigger plans for this beautiful soul and called her up in heaven.
Her body is now healed and her soul free and she’ll always be remembered by the ones that were lucky enough to cross her path.
My heart always sinks when I see the ribbons around trees in LG knowing someone extra special died. I’m so so so sorry for your loss. Caroline sounds like a beautiful soul and I’m so sorry her beautiful life was cut short. I didnt know her your family but as an LT grad and growing up just down the street Gurie this hits close to home. Sending love and strength the family.