Caroline Payton, age 77, long time resident of West Chicago, IL, passed away on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026 surrounded by her children. She was born on November 19th, 1948 to Elfriede Cluin and George Kornfind. Caroline was born in Chicago and later raised in the suburb, West Chicago. She graduated from West Chicago High School in 1966 and then attended secretarial school and worked for Eastman Kodak until she started a family. She married her high school sweetheart Eddie on July 27th, 1968 and had 4 children and 15 grandchildren while together for 57 years of marriage.

Above all, Caroline cherished her family. As an only child who had long dreamed of a busy household, she poured her heart into creating the large, loving family she always wanted. She was a devoted wife, mother, and “Grammy,” offering guidance with a gentle hand and never a hint of judgment. Her home became a haven for her grandchildren—affectionately known as Grammy Day Care and Grammy Summer Camp—where she filled their days with activities, endless snacks, laughter, and the kind of memories that linger for a lifetime. Her greatest joy came simply from being surrounded by those she loved, and her warm, steady presence will be deeply missed.

Caroline was the first to step forward whenever help was needed. She devoted countless hours to her children’s activities, serving as a Girl Scout leader for multiple troops, a Cub Scout leader, and the director of the local western suburb Girl Scout Council. She organized Evergreen School’s Holiday Bazaar, hosted pasta dinners for her children’s many sporting events, countless hours carpooling and welcomed neighborhood children for endless summer adventures—backyard campouts, slip‑and‑slides, popsicles, and afternoons spent swimming under the sun.

Creative at heart, she found joy in crafting and in thoughtfully decorating her home for every holiday. She helped establish a local crafting group, where she played a key role in organizing their shows.

Caroline lived a life defined by generosity, devotion, and love—a life that touched many and leaves a legacy that will continue to shine through the family she adored.

She is survived by her four children Stephanie (Gregg) Lemkau, Christopher (Christina) Payton, Christina (Adam) Grunwaldt and Jennifer (Jesse) Fink and her grandchildren Foster, Max, Mia, Owen, Juliet, Aidan, Tredway, Cameron, Javin, Scarlett, Reese, Joelle, Liam and Jaceten.

She was preceded in death by her husband Eddie, her grandson Noah Grunwaldt and her parents.

Services will be private.