Carol Ann Appell (née L’Ecluse), 82, of Pekin, IL (formerly of Kewanee), died peacefully on May 15, 2026, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, surrounded by the love of the family she spent a lifetime caring for so deeply.

Carol was born July 30, 1943, in Kewanee to Fred and Julia (Mucheikis) L’Ecluse. She married Curtis Appell on April 18, 1964, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, family, and adventure.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Curt; her children Brent (Kay) Appell of Pekin, IL, Mike (Teresa) Appell of Louisville, KY, and Michelle (Lora Grgich) Appell of Minneapolis, MN; her beloved sisters Jan (John) Foffel of Sugar Grove, IL, and Kathy Hannon of Springfield, IL; her cherished boxer dog, Tarloo; her grandchildren Nicholas (Tarynn) Appell, Benjamin Appell, Katie (Kelsey) Branch, Hailee (Matthew) Elliott, and Hannah (Brennon) Quick; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter in infancy, and her brothers-in-law, Tom Hannon and Rick Appell.

Carol graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1961 and Saint Francis School of Nursing in Peoria in 1964. Nursing was truly her calling, and she would tell you that she loved every minute of it - especially her years as a hospice nurse. She had a remarkable gift for comforting others and touched countless lives with her compassion, humor, and tenderness.

Carol lived life fully and joyfully. She enjoyed traveling and held a special place in her heart for Crosslake, MN, and Cancun, Mexico; She also loved a celebration...music festivals, art fairs, parades, and any excuse to wear bright colors. She had a legendary green thumb and spent countless hours tending the plants and flowers in her beautiful yard. Carol and Curt lovingly raised boxer dogs over the years and treated each one as a member of the family.

More than anything, Carol loved creating special moments for the people around her. She believed life should be celebrated with family gatherings, vacations, flowers, music, laughter, and simply showing up for others. She leaves behind a family who adored her, dear friends who will miss her deeply, and a world that feels a little less colorful without her in it.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home (a place that was especially dear to Carol as both a hospice nurse and volunteer), or simply plant a beautiful flower. The family also wishes to thank the compassionate nurses, aides, doctors, and staff at Reflections Memory Care in Pekin, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Neuroscience ICU, and OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home for their loving care of Carol. Rux Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.