Carol Anne Passis was born on July 4th, 1933, in Springfield, MA. After growing up in difficult family circumstances, she graduated from Commercial High School in Springfield, MA.
She completed her college work at Barrington College in Rhode Island. She began working in the engineering department of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Hartford Connecticut, then on to the Foxborough Instrument Company in Massachusetts.

She met her husband Donald while in Foxborough and the two were married in 1955. First settling in as a couple in Branford, CT the family grew and enjoyed the communities of Wayzata, MN, Rockford, IL, Belle Mead, NJ, Midlothian, VA, and finally Winfield, IL.

After raising their three children and supporting Don's ministry in various churches, Carol enjoyed working as a custom seamstress. Her love of fashion and creativity led her to work at Merrick's-on-Moore in Princeton, NJ, a high-end women's boutique. Her love of antiques led her to establish her own antique business named Fine Finds Things in the Richmond, VA area, where she was well known for her quality antiques and beautiful collectibles.

Carol never had the security of knowing her earthly father; nevertheless, she was remarkable in transferring to her children the security of a committed, expressive, and deep love.
She did this in many ways:
She loved God and knew him as Savior, Shepherd, Lord and Heavenly Father
She made her family's home a lovely expression of hospitality, warmth, beauty & love.
She made holidays great family-centered events.
She was a consummate fulfillment of the Biblical wife exemplified in Proverbs 31: 17-22

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Carol's love of beautiful things extended beyond her home and family.
She loved symphonies, opera, and art.
She loved nature; her gardens were an oasis of beauty and stewardship of the created world.
She loved being outdoors, the seaside, sun, and sand.
Hospitality was so important to her: Carol loved people. She delighted in spending time with friends over a cup of coffee. She treasured those friends throughout the years and corresponded often with them to keep in touch.

She is survived by her husband Rev. Donald K. Childs; children Christopher, Bradford (Gail), and Claudia (Doug); and grandchildren Sarah, Michaela, Emma (Stephen), Anne, Ella, Katherine, Elisabeth, and Graham.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Carol may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL 17, Chicago, IL 60601 ( Alzheimer's Tribute Page ) or to the STARS Ministry at College Church, 332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton, Illinois 60187.