Carol Ann Sopiars, 83, of Kewanee, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, March 16, 2026, at OSF Saint Luke in Kewanee. She was born on January 11, 1943, in Kewanee, the daughter of Walter and Louise (Reiff) Melchin in Kewanee. She married her husband Joe Sopiars on August 1, 1964, and together they built a family that meant everything to her.

Carol was a loving mother to Joe, Jenny (Duane), and Julie (Todd), and was a devoted grandma to Matthew (Jovi), Jacob (Sara), Alek (Katrina), Elyssa, Peyton, Jessi, Courtney (Ted), Marissa, Ali (Drew), Zach (Megan), Rachel, Lyric, Chloee, Maddox, and Kahen. She was blessed with 16 great‑grandchildren, with one more on the way. She was preceded in death by her children, Tami, who passed in infancy, and Jason; her parents, Walter and Louise; and her two brothers, and two sisters.

Carol was someone who truly loved life. She cherished her family and dedicated herself to raising her children and being the kind of grandma everyone hopes to have. Carol was selfless. She was always there for her family without hesitation. She was the glue that held the family together; the person everyone turned to. Carol worked faithfully for 35 years at GTE and after retirement worked part-time at Walmart. She enjoyed bowling, playing video games, cross‑stitching, crocheting, playing word games on her tablet and gardening. She adored her dog, Oreo, cats, Luigi and Lucky, and her turtle, Toby. She appreciated those who helped and supported her, including her Livy, who helped her with chores, Thomas, her right‑hand man, Natty, who helped her win word games, Venus for keeping her a “busy bee”, her granddaughters Jessi and Ali, her personal “jack of all trades”, her daughters Jenny and Julie for always being there when she needed them and her daily lunchtime phone calls from her son Joe. Carol gave her all to her family. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched, and she will be profoundly missed.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home in Kewanee. A funeral will be held following the visitation on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with Deacon Ray White officiating. Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established. Please leave an online condolence at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com