Carol Lamie-Castongia

Carol Lamie-Castongia passed away peacefully on February 13, 2024. She leaves behind the entire city of Bradley, a legacy of unconditional love, and an ocean of friends and family who will miss her dearly. Born in Momence, Illinois in the middle of World War Two, Carol moved to Bradley in the early 1970s. Immediately a staple of the street, all in the neighborhood remember her unlocked door, big smile, and dinner bell that chimed for blocks. A pillar of the community, she was a PTA President, Bradley Lions President, BB Wrestling Club Foundational Member, and too many other titles than she’d ever think matter. Carol’s life was spent helping the next generation. A mother of six, she still had room for more. As a foster parent, Carol kept open arms for any little one in need. Locally, most know her as a pinnacle home daycare for four decades of children. Carol considered her “babysitting kids” to be family. A generational talent, she took special joy in caring for the children of the children she previously watched. Thousands of youngsters spent time in her house, learning and growing. They likely remember her room-filling belly laugh, endless Kool-Aid, and wide-open heart. She refused to change her phone number in case any of her “kids” reached out and needed aid. “They all know that number,” she’d say, ready to help at a moment’s notice. Carol did not drive. But she was the first call for many who needed a ride. Because she was the type you called first when stranded. The purest testament to the trust she created in all those who crossed her path. A helper of helpers. She will remain forever in the hearts of all her kids, including great grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and grandchildren who she adored beyond understanding: Ellie Roby (Ken), Danny Richardson (Kelsey), Paul Richardson (Kyle Hopkins), Emily Tapscott (Charlie), Larry Lamie III, Allie Eshleman (Brad), Tami Schweigert (Brad), Justine Tollefson (Donny), Courtney Weigand, Cameron Lamie, Mason Weigand, Colin Lamie (Megan), and Gavin Lamie. Step-grandchildren Megan Russo (Alex), Nicole Gagnon, Coty Castongia, and Jacey Meredith. Carol was preceded in death by her husband Larry Lamie, husband Kenny Castongia, Daughter Brenda Richardson (Skip), and Daughter-in-Law Aimee Lamie. She is survived by brother Raymond Simpson of Momence and children, Larry Lamie II, Pam Weigand (Mike), Jim Lamie (Gretchen), Kurt Lamie, and Frank/T Lamie, and stepchildren, Stefanie Meredith (Randy), Brad Castongia (Tiffany), and Brandi Jensen (Russel). Visitation will be held at Jensen Funeral Home in Kankakee on Friday, February 16th from 3:00p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Services starting at 6:00pm.