Mary Elizabeth "Betsey"

Carlin

Mary Elizabeth “Betsey” Carlin (nee Horrigan)

Age 70, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of November 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Born on December 7, 1955 in Joliet, IL, she was one of eight children born to John H. Horrigan and Margaret Dailey Horrigan. Raised in Joliet, she attended St. Paul the Apostle grade school and St. Francis Academy (Class of 1973).

Betsey was preceded in death by her parents, John H. Horrigan (2019) and Margaret D. Horrigan (2009), brothers Peter Horrigan (2023), William Horrigan (2025), and Patrick Horrigan (1991), sister Margaret Christopher Schmitz (2012), and nephew Eliot Horrigan (2001).

The middle child of a large Irish Catholic family, Betsey grew up surrounded by siblings, cousins, friends, and neighbors. She loved to reminisce about her childhood in the 1960s, especially spending summers swimming and socializing at Oakwood, winters ice skating at Inwood, penny candy from Seltzer’s, and movies and snow cones at the Rialto. Other treasured memories include skiing in the Alps as a teenager and many family vacations to Cape Cod. After graduating from SFA, Betsey attended Mundelein College and spent time at various jobs; first at Relyea Insurance in downtown Joliet, and later at several larger insurance companies prior to her retirement. Known for her adventurous spirit, Betsey also spent time living in Miami, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina before returning to and settling in Joliet. Betsey met the love of her life, Tim Carlin, in 1997 when their respective children played on the same softball team. Over the next nearly three decades together, they created a vibrant, joy-filled life for their blended family of eight children. Their home was a haven of sorts for their kids, kids’ friends, nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. A firm believer in always having a longer table, and never a higher fence, there were all-day pool parties, endless holiday gatherings, and an open door policy for loved ones in need of a place to stay. Birthdays, graduations, and Notre Dame football games were all reason enough to bring everyone together at the house on West Acres Road. Her friends and loved ones will remember her no-nonsense attitude, sharp wit, elegant sense of style, endless generosity, and love of music, especially Bruce Springsteen and Tina Turner at full volume. Betsey delighted in finding the perfect gift for family and friends, and took great pride in making every Christmas morning a wondrous occasion for her family. She truly shined during the holiday season, pulling out all of the stops to shop for families in need in the community. She relished being able to share her good fortune freely with others.

She is survived by Timothy P. Carlin, her devoted and loving husband of 25 years, three children, Catherine “Kate” Lowry (Kari Hintze) of Joliet, IL, Casey Lowry (Kailee) of Joliet, IL, and Patrick Lowry (Katie Champion) of Nashville, TN; five beloved step-children, Johanna Carlin of Highland, NY, Michael Carlin (Jen) of Morris, IL, Kimberly Schultz (Jeremy) of Portland, OR, Patrick Carlin (Amber) of Joliet, IL, and Samantha Tovar (Rigo) of Chicago, IL; three siblings, Anne Horrigan (Amy Szczepaniak), Catherine “Kate” Mohundro (Doug), and Stephen Horrigan of Joliet, IL; ten wonderful and cherished grandchildren, Makenna, Sean, and Liam Carlin, Luca Andries and Alexander Whitton, Gabriel and Ruby Schultz, and Logan, Camila, and Melania Tovar, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and cherished family friends. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Lightways Hospice for their outstanding care, as well as a special thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Carroll, Brenda, Chrissy, and Brie, who have our endless gratitude.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carlson Holmquist Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory.