Carolyn Sue Dystrup, 76, died September 1, 2023 after a valiant stand-off with Alzheimer's Disease. Despite the disease, she passed away with clear recognition of her loved ones – a reflection of what she valued most in life.

Born November 11, 1946 in Dixon, IL to Laurence and Frances Schott, Carolyn spent childhood alongside her four siblings on the family farm. She was an active 4-H member, sang in the family trio, "The Schott Sisters", and attended school: first in the one-room country grade school, Sugar Grove, and later 'in town'. She graduated from Dixon High School in 1964, and went on to earn an RN from Rockford Memorial Nursing School, a BSN from University of Illinois, and a MSN from Northern Illinois University.

While at the U of I, Carolyn went on a blind date with Andrew ('Andy') Christian Dystrup: her future husband and the love of her life. They were married for 42 years before he passed away, and raised two adoring daughters to whom they were great role models in the ways of family, community service, education, and hard work.

Carolyn worked as a nurse and nursing instructor at Silver Cross Hospital, St. Joe's College of Nursing, Joliet Junior College, and Morris Hospital. Upon the birth of her first grandchild, she retired from nursing and happily played the role of full-time grandmother (aka 'Gram' and 'DyDy') to her four grandchildren.

Carolyn was a member of Grace United Methodist Church for 53 years, singing in the Chancel Choir alongside Andy and many dear friends. It seemed she was never not volunteering somewhere, and she was especially proud of her board memberships for the Silver Cross Hospital Foundation and Lightways Hospice. She loved traveling the world alongside Andy, noting their hiking trips in the national parks as their favorites. Tireless caregiver, avid card / newspaper clipping / care package sender, prolific cookie baker, Snoopy admirer…Carolyn was all this and more to those in her life.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, in-laws Cameron and Rachel Dystrup, sister Pauline Kolesky, and several brothers- and sisters-in-law. Survived by daughters Erika (Brian) Forsythe and Heather (Herman) Dystrup-Chiang, and much-adored grandkids Lauren and Garrett Forsythe and Colin and Marlowe Chiang. Also surviving are sister Beverly (Paul) Wiemken, brothers Gary (Katherine) Schott and Phil (Sandy) Schott, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and dear, life-long friends.

A Memorial Visitation on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 3-8PM at Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Joliet. A Memorial Visitation will also be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 beginning at 9:00 AM until time of services at 10AM at Grace United Methodist Church, 1718 Avalon Ave. Joliet.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Grace United Methodist Church, Silver Cross Hospital, and Lightways Hospice are appreciated. Finally, Carolyn's family would like to thank Horizon Hospice of Mequon, WI for their phenomenal care in her final days.

For information, please call (815) 744-0022 or you can visit Carolyn's memorial tribute page at www.chsfuneral.com