Carolyn L. Hodges, nee Sparacino, age 74, a resident of Wheaton, IL, passed away on March 7, 2019, at Meadowbrook Manor in Naperville, IL. She was born August 2, 1944 in Chicago, IL to Dominic and Josephine Sparacino.

Carolyn's parents were first generation born in the U.S. from Sicily and she was very proud of her Sicilian heritage. She grew up in Chicago, IL and treasured those years with truly fond memories. Carolyn was a devout Roman Catholic and it was extremely important to pass her faith on to her children.

Carolyn was an irreplaceable wife, mom and nani. She watched over her family like a guardian angel with unwavering love. She dedicated her life to her faith and family - always present at large and small occasions to celebrate with family and friends. Carolyn was a loving soul, filled with joy and bringing laughter to those around her through her quirks and effortless shenanigans. In her passing, some of the most precious memories have been brought to light… praying together, her delicious home-cooked meals, movie theater nights, adventures in antiquing, competitive card games and her amazing coloring skills with crayons! She cherished her grandchildren, always bringing them along with her and her husband, Bruce, on new explorations and revisiting favorites! We will always smile thinking of her insatiable appetite for nighttime snacks, despite how tiny she was. But, most of all, what we carry with us forever is her strength, faith in Jesus, and bravery when faced with adversity. She was the matriarch of our family, and she will live on through us forever!

She is survived by her beloved husband of 31 years, Bruce; her devoted daughters, Desiree (Johnnie) Bruce and Michaelene (Glenn) Hayward; her loving grandchildren, Antoinette (Filip) Kaevski, Malina Clemans, Drake Hayward, Brooke Hayward and Grace Hayward; her precious great-grandson, Luca Kaevski; and her loving sister, Donna Nelson.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Sparacino.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home. Prayers will be said the next morning, Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. A funeral Mass will then follow at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church , 310 S. Wheaton Ave., in Wheaton. Interment will be private at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project , PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.